Effects of Vitex Agnus Castus Leave Extract on Induced Retinal Angiogenesis in Rabbit

Abstract

Retinal pathologic angiogenesis is the leading cause of blindness in human generate from age-related
macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy and premature retinopathy (ROP).The aim of this study
is to investigate the effect of vitex agnus castus leave extract on induced retinal angiogenesis in rabbits
by intravitreal injection of VEGF. Alcoholic extract of vitex agnus castus prepared and formulated for
intravitreal injection. Twenty four pigmented rabbits included in this study and allocated into four equal
groups(6 rabbits in each group): Retinal angiogenesis induced group, group treated by bevacizumab, group
treated by 100mcg of Vitex agnus castus leave extract, and group treated by 50mcg of Vitex agnus castus
leave extract as intravitreal injection. Parameters include matrixmetalloproteinase-9, intracellular adhesion
molecule-1. The result of the current study revealed that intravitreal injection of Vitex agnus castus leave
extract was reduced the level of MMP-9 and ICAM-1 in comparison with retinal angiogenesis induced
group after one week of retinal angiogenesis induction , although it was non-significant (P>0.05).