Clinical investigations and mechanistic insights into the antioxidant effects of drugs post-cataract surgery

Background: Postoperative recovery from cataract surgery in elderly patients can be complicated by oxidative stress and inflammation, which may affect clinical outcomes. Mingmu Dihuang Tang (MDT), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, is postulated to offer antioxidative and anti-inflammatory benefits in this context. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of MDT as an adjunctive therapy for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in elderly patients after cataract surgery. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 120 patients were allocated to either a control group (conventional Western medicine) or an experimental group (conventional treatment plus MDT). Serum and aqueous humor levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), nitric oxide and inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, TNF-?) were measured. Visual acuity and lens opacity were also assessed. Results: Compared to the control group, the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher antioxidant activities (GSH-Px, CAT, SOD, TAC) and IL-2 levels, alongside lower nitric oxide, IL-6 and TNF-? concentrations (P<0.05). The MDT group also showed superior visual acuity recovery, reduced lens clouding and a lower complication rate (6.21% vs. control, P<0.05). Conclusion: Adjunctive therapy with MDT enhances antioxidant capacity, modulates inflammation and improves clinical outcomes in cataract surgery recovery, demonstrating significant value for clinical application.