AIM: To study the effects of different density of Rhizoma Zedoariae on the multiplication and apoptosis of human retinal capillary endothelial cells(HRCECs)and vascular endothelial multiplication factor(VECF)in high glucose environment.

METHODS: Fresh eyeballs HRCECs extracted just after cornea transplanting operation were cultivated in vitro. The third or fourth generation healthy cells for this experiment were obtained, and divided into three groups: low glucose, high glucose, high glucose plus different density of Rhizoma Zedoariae group(60, 80, 100, and 120μg/mL). MTT was employed to detect the multiplication of HRCECs, and the HRCECs VEGF through immune cells was observed.

RESULTS: MTT comparison: there was no obvious difference between high glucose and low glucose groups(P>0.05), while there was significant difference between high glucose+ and high glucose groups(P<0.05), and different density of glucose showed big difference. Immune cells: high glucose group had obvious affection compared with low glucose group, and there was significant difference between high glucose+ group and high glucose group in their affection on VEGF(P<0.05), as well as in different density among high glucose group.

CONCLUSION: Rhizoma Zedoariae can restrain the multiplication of HRCECs and VEGF in high glucose environment.