OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effects of Dajizhi (Eu-phorbium) on selenite-induced cataracts.METHODS:Wistar rat pups were divided into 9 groups.Rats in group 1 were subcutaneously inject-ed with saline,and rats in the other groups were in-jected with sodium-selenite.Every right eye was treated with 5 μL eye drops 3 times per day,and the left eye received no treatment.The eyes of rats in group 3 were treated with pirenoxine;rats in groups 4,5,6,7,8 and 9 were respectively treated with Dajizhi (Euphorbium) (25 mg/mL),Dajizhi (Eu-phorbium) (5 mg/mL),Dajizhi (Euphorbium) metha-nol extract (25 mg/mL),Dajizhi (Euphorbium) meth-anol extract (5 mg/mL),euphol (25 mg/mL),euphol(5 mg/mL).Cataracts were observed by a slit lamp before and after treatment.Electroretinograms were acquired at set intervals.The morphological changes of the rat eyes were observed in vitro,and the levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the lenses and aque-ous humour were estimated at set intervals.RESULTS:Slit lamp examination showed decreased degrees of cataracts after administration of the dif-ferent treatments.Morphological comparison showed that Dajizhi (Euphorbium) can reduce the turbidity of the lenses,meaning that Dajizhi (Eu-phorbium) has the anti-cataract effects.Low-con-centration of Dajizhi (Euphorbium),its methanol ex-tract and euphol treatment prevented the b-wave amplitudes of the electroretinograms from falling.Euphorbium treatment significantly restored GSH-Px and SOD levels in the lenses and aqueous humour,especially after 10 and 25 d of administra-tion.Euphorbium may help lenses fight oxidative stress caused by selenite.CONCLUSION:The administration of Dajizhi (Eu-phorbium) can inhibit selenite-induced cataracts.