Diospyros kaki Extract Inhibits Alkali Burn-Induced Corneal Neovascularization

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of ethanol extract of Diospyros kaki (EEDK) leaves on corneal neovascularization (CoNV) in rats. One week after the alkali burns in the corneas, the CoNV area coverage in the CoNV-positive control group, 100mg/kg EEDK group, and 200mg/kg EEDK group was 43.3%+/- 5.5%, 337.7%+/- 2.5%, and 27.2%+/- 4.3%, respectively. The areas of CoNV in the EEDK-treated groups were significantly different from those of the CoNV group. EEDK significantly attenuated the upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, interleukin-6, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) protein levels. Orally administrated D. kaki inhibited CoNV development in rats.