Indian scientists, in a recently conducted research, have found that the turmeric spice (obtained from the rhizome of the Curcuma longa plant) can prove beneficial in the blockage of a biological pathway which leads to the progression of diabetic retinopathy, a complication that can cause blindness, if not treated at the right stage. A study showing that the incidence of diabetic retinopathy was much lower in Indians as compared to Europeans made the researchers curious about the ingredients of Indian diet that were helpful in preventing the disease. Curcumin’s anti-angiogenic effects against cancer, the scientists guessed, may also curb the growth of new blood vessels in the retina.

Three recent studies conducted to examine the role of Takeda Pharmaceutical’s candesartan, the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) in the prevention and treatment of diabetic retinopathy have concluded that candesartan is one of the useful treatment options available for the disorder. The research found it to be the first pharmaceutical agent to have improved the patient’s condition in early retinopathy. Candesartan lowered the incidence of retinopathy in both type 1 diabetics (who had not developed it) and improved the condition in type 2 diabetes patients (who had it already).

Researchers at the University of Utah School of Medicine and other institutes have announced that age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy could be prevented or reversed by activating a protein, Robo4, in blood vessel cells through drugs. The research was conducted in mice models simulating age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. The protein acted by inhibiting abnormal blood vessel growth and preventing leakage by stabilizing blood vessels.

Photo by circo de invierno