Objective: To prepare nanosuspension-based gel of curcumin (Cur NS-gel) and investigate its therapeutic effect on rat selenium-induced cataract. Method: Cur-loaded nanosuspensions (Cur NS) was prepared by high pressure homogenization method.Carbopol 940 was added as the matrix for Cur NS-gel.The morphology

drug loading

particle size

Zeta potential

gelling buffer ability

dropping ability and viscosity were determined.The in vitro release profiles of Cur was determined by flow-through cell method.The rats were divided into blank group

model group

Cur suspension group

Cur NS group and Cur NS-gel group

the rat selenium-induced cataract model was established with dose of 0.25 μL · g-1.The lens opacity and relative biomarkers were detected. Result: Cur NS had spherical-like shape with particle size of (298.2±14.9) nm and Zeta potential of (30.7±2.12) mV.The physical properties were not changed significantly after the Cur NS-gel was obtained

together with the elevated viscosity increased to (802±15.9) mPa · s.The in vitro cumulative release in 6 h for Cur NS and Cur NS-gel were 26.2 times and 18.3 times of that in Cur suspension

respectively;and lag time phenomenon appeared in Cur NS-gel.In vivo pharmacodynamic study indicated that Cur NS-gel could significantly delay the development of lens opacity.The total superoxide dismutase activity of Cur NS-gel was elevated by comparing with model group

Cur suspension group and Cur NS group.The content of glutathione in Cur NS-gel group was 2.1 times and 1.5 times of that in Cur suspension group and Cur NS group

respectively(P<0.05). Conclusion: Nanosuspension-based gel can be used as effective carriers of Cur

which can further improve its therapeutic effect on rat selenium-induced cataract.