The major metabolite of bendazac inhibits the glycosylation of soluble lens proteins: a possible mechanism for a delay in cataractogenesis.

Glucose-6-phosphate and galactose react non-enzymically with lens proteins. The rates of these reactions are decreased by 5-hydroxybendazac but not by its parent compound, bendazac. Both bendazac and its major metabolite bind to lens proteins, mostly by non-covalent interactions. These results are discussed in relation to the use of bendazac as an anti-cataract drug.