The protective effects of Lycium barbarum and Chrysanthemum morifolum on diabetic retinopathies in rats.

The effects of Lycium barbarum and Chrysanthemum morifolum extracts on diabetic retinopathy were evaluated. The diabetes model was induced by streptozotocin. Animals were divided into six groups: the control group received only vehicle; diabetic animal models received no treatment, insulin treatment, Lycium extract, Chrysanthemum extract, or a combination of Lycium and Chrysanthemum extracts, respectively. Retinal function was evaluated by electroretinography, and the diabetic progression was monitored by blood test for hyperglycemia. In addition, retinal histopathology and retinal glial reactivity were also investigated. The electroretinographic amplitudes of the a- and b-waves were significantly decreased in the diabetic animals, and the implicit time of the b-wave was also delayed, compared to the control group. However, reductions in the a- and b-wave amplitudes were not observed in the Lycium-treated group. Histopathological studies showed no significant differences between the Lycium-treated, Chrysanthemum-treated, Lycium/Chrysanthemum-treated groups, and the control group. The results of this study suggest that L. barbarum may have protective effects in diabetic retinopathy.