Abstract: Dry eye disease is a common ocular surface disorder characterized by inadequate tear production and tear-film instability. Although cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is traditionally used for its soothing and hydrating properties, limited experimental evidence exists regarding its potential beneficial effect on dry eye. This study evaluated the effect of Cucumis sativus extract on experimentally induced dry eye in Wistar rats. An in vivo experimental study was conducted using 15 healthy adult Wistar albino rats weighing 150–200 g. The animals were randomly assigned into three groups of five: untreated dry-eye control, Cucumis sativus extract, and artificial tears. Dry eye was induced by topical administration of 1% atropine sulphate twice daily for three days. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts were prepared using cold extraction and subjected to phytochemical analysis, while the aqueous extract was used for treatment. Following induction, treatment groups received cucumber extract or artificial tears twice daily for 14 days. Tear production was assessed using the Schirmer test. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and post hoc testing, with significance set at p < 0.05. Phytochemical analysis revealed saponins, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids and phenolic compounds. Ethanol extract had a higher percentage yield (12.40%) than aqueous extract (5.05%). Schirmer values in the cucumber extract group increased from 2.0 mm on day 1 to 3.8 mm on day 14, while the artificial tears group increased from 2.4 mm to 4.6 mm. One-way ANOVA showed a significant difference among treatment groups (F = 340.374, p < 0.001). Topical Cucumis sativus extract improved tear production and tear-film stability in Wistar rats with experimentally induced dry eye. These findings provide preliminary evidence supporting further investigation of Cucumis sativus as a potential plant-derived option for dry-eye management.
Keywords: Cucumis sativus, Dry Eye, Wistar Rats.
Title: Ocular Surface Responses to Cucumis sativus Extract in Experimental Dry Eye: An in Vivo Study in Wistar Rats
Author: Ugwoke Genevieve, Esenwah Emmanuel, Nwakaego Ikoro, Azuamah Young, Odimegwu Nkiru, Obiechi Nelson, Onyeberechi Macjohnson, Chukwuoha Chigozie, Eronini Yadiri
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
Vol. 14, Issue 1, April 2026 - September 2026
Page No: 571-578
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 31-August-2026
