What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of camellia sinensis mediated gold nanoparticles in reversing stress-induced physiological dysregulation.

May 11, 2026Journal of King Saud University - Science0 citationsOpen Access

In vivo and in silico efficacy of biosynthesized camellia sinensis mediated gold nano particles in reversing stress-induced physiological dysregulation

NANajlaa S. Al‐RadadiTaibah University

Key Points

This research aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of camellia sinensis mediated gold nanoparticles in reversing stress-induced physiological dysregulation.
Developed a green synthesis method using camellia sinensis extract to create gold nanoparticles.
Evaluated anti-stress efficacy using a resident-intruder stress model in rats over eight days.
Administered 25 or 50 mg/kg of camellia sinensis extract or its nanoparticle formulation.
Stress exposure raised body and adrenal gland weights and stress hormone levels (p < 0.05).
C. sinensis extract and AuNP formulation significantly mitigated stress-induced effects, especially at 50 mg/kg.
Nanoparticle treatment restored stress-related parameters nearly to baseline levels.

Abstract

In recent years, sustainable and eco-friendly approaches for synthesizing metallic nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention due to their reduced toxicity and environmental compatibility. In this study, we developed a green synthesis method to produce gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using Camellia sinensis ( C. sinensis ) extract as a natural stabilizing and reducing agent. This approach enabled the formation of core–shell nanoparticles with enhanced stability, predominantly spherical morphology, and minimal size variation, alongside small pentagonal, triangular, and hexagonal shapes. The biosynthesized C. sinensis -AuNPs were comprehensively characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and zeta potential analysis, confirming their structural integrity and physicochemical properties. To explore their therapeutic potential, we evaluated the anti-stress efficacy of both C. sinensis extract and its AuNP formulation in rats subjected to a resident–intruder stress model. Animals received 25 or 50 mg/kg of either the extract or nanoparticles as their sole fluid intake for eight days. Stress exposure significantly increased body and adrenal gland weights and elevated stress-related hormone levels compared to controls (p < 0.05). Treatment with C. sinensis , its AuNP formulation, or diazepam markedly mitigated these stress-induced changes, with the 50 mg/kg nanoparticle dose showing the most pronounced effect, restoring parameters nearly to baseline. Additionally, ADMET profiling and molecular docking highlighted the promising therapeutic potential of key bioactive components. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that plant-based extracts and green-synthesized nanoparticles can offer enhanced protection against stress-induced physiological dysfunctions, presenting a sustainable and natural alternative to conventional pharmaceutical therapies. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

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