Plant molecules to treat eye mitochondria

Abstract The present chapter focuses on the antioxidant phytochemicals that strengthen the eye mitochondria thereby reducing the oxidative stress and related comorbidities. Eye is an essential organ for its normal visual function and mitochondria play a significant role in the normal function of eye. The eye is highly susceptible to mitochondrial dysfunction due to its high energy demand. The deficiency of mitochondria leads to an imbalance in the cellular function mainly scavenging reactive oxygen species and cellular apoptosis. Mitochondrial disorders are generally associated with glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Oxidative stress plays a significant role in several ocular pathogeneses associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. The phytochemicals known to have antioxidant activities are considered more in the recent era to scavenge the liberated radicals. Some of the major plant antioxidants are polyphenols (flavonoids and phenolic acid) and carotenoids were used to treat/prevent the eye mitochondrial dysfunction.