the invention provides methods for treating and / or preventing the recurrence of a senile cataract , and / or for inhibiting the development of a senile cataract and / or an incipient senile cataract , in a human or animal subject . the invention further provides nutraceutical compositions suited for the same , derived from an extract of the plant capraria biflora . the compositions comprise the extract in a therapeutically sufficient amount for the treatment and / or prophylaxis of a senile cataract in a human and / or animal subject .