Ameliorative Effect of Green synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles of Malvastrum coromandelianum Linn. on CCl 4 Induced Oxidative Stress in Sprague Dawley Rats Liver

Abstract Background: Malvastrum coromandelianum is an important medicinal plant enriched with active secondary metabolites. Leaves of plant have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and hypoglycemic properties. Results: This study is based on hepato-protective properties of zinc-oxide nanoparticles synthesized using Malvastrum coromandelianum (MCZNPs) against inflammation and toxicity caused by CCl₄ in Sprague-Dawley rats. Nanoparticle’s formation was confirmed using UV visible spectroscopy by showing peak at 363nm. Shape (hexagonal) and size (23nm) was estimated using XRD and further confirmed by SEM (32.06 nm). MCZNPs possess antioxidant abilities, DPPH (44.3±0.6 µg/mL), superoxide scavenging activity (27.6±0.9 µg/mL), TAC (52.3±0.9 AAE mg/g) and TRP (47.5±0.9 GAE mg/g) values were comparable with standards. Initial treatment of female rats with MCZNPs revealed that MCZNPs were non-toxic. Anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated on forty two (1:1 male: female) rats divided into seven groups; I-control group (saline water-0.9%), II-treated with CCl₄ 1ml/kg bw, III-positive control group; CCl₄(1ml/kg bw)+silymarin (200mg/kg bw), IV and V-injected with 1ml/kg bw CCl₄and 150ml/kg bw and 300mg/kg bw of MCZNP, VI and VII-administered with 150ml/kg bw and 300mg/kg bw of MCZNP alone. Serum and antioxidant enzyme markers were found in normal range on co-administration of MCZNPs+CCl₄. MCZNPs significantly lowered CCl₄induced elevations in serum markers and restored antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT, GSH) levels. However, gene expression analysis revealed that CCl₄ elevated oxidative stress and upregulated inflammatory markers (P<0.05). Whereas, MCZNPs suppressed oxidative stress markers. Hepatocyte morphology was examined by histopathological investigation. Conclusion: Nanoparticles synthesized using Malvastrum coromandelianum exhibited exceptional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. Clinical trials of MCZNPs and investigation of underlying mechanisms would lead to the development of FDA approved drug.