Protective Effect of Angelica gigas Nakai Extract Against Blue Light-induced Cell Death on Human Retinal Pigmented Epithelium (ARPE-19) Cell Viability

Abstract

Light pollution such as blue light exposure can damage the visual photoreceptors and lead to cell death and degenerative retinal diseases. Despite the increasing number of patients suffering from retinal disease, the therapeutic agents are still insufficient. Angelica gigas Nakai extract (AGNEX) containing a high proportion of decursin derivatives has effectively protected cells under oxidative stress or high-level blue light. However, it remains unclear whether it protects retinal cells effectively. Here, we investigated the cytoprotective effect of AGNEX on retinal cells damaged using reactive oxygen species (ROS), which decreased the viability of retinal cells by causing oxidative stress. The cell viability with 600 μM hydrogen peroxide treatment was less than 70% of the normal control group. However, the group treated with 40 μM of AGNEX showed recovery as the normal control group. ROS levels were decreased in the AGNEX treated at 10-20 μM compared with the 600 μM hydrogen peroxide group. The AGNEX treated group was reduced by 20% compared with the untreated control group. This study suggests that AGNEX could prevent damage to blue light-induced retinal cells by oxidative stress relief, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent similar to eye care functional foods and as medicine against retinal cell damage.