Hepatoprotective Effect and Antioxidant Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Green Synthesis from Moringa Oleifera

Background

Green synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) offers an environmentally friendly, safe and non-toxic alternative to traditional physical and chemical approaches. Several studies suggest that AgNPs may exhibit greater therapeutic effects than their corresponding plant extracts.

Objectives

The objective was to synthesize AgNPs using Moringa oleifera leaf extract and to assess their antioxidant and hepatoprotective effect in a paracetamol-induced liver injury model.

Materials and Methods

The UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis were employed to determine the physicochemical characteristics of AgNPs produced. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. An acute oral toxicity test was conducted in rats up to 2000 mg/kg Body Weight (BW). In vivo hepatoprotection was assessed in rats with paracetamol-induced liver damage, measuring liver enzyme levels following treatment with low doses of the AgNPs.

Results

The results showed that the AgNPs were spherical in shape and of crystalline nature. AgNPs displayed a strong antioxidant scavenging effect with an IC₅₀ of 20.53 µg/mL. No mortality or overt toxic signs were observed up to 2000 mg/kg BW in the toxicity test. In the hepatoprotection study, administration of low doses of AgNPs significantly restored liver enzyme values toward normal levels in intoxicated rats.

Conclusion

The Moringa oleifera-mediated green-synthesized AgNPs are safe, show potent antioxidant capacity, and deliver significant hepatoprotective activity in a paracetamol-induced liver damage model. These findings support the potential of these nanoparticles as a promising therapeutic agent for liver disorders.