Hepatoprotective and anti-hyperplastic effects of silver nanoparticles biosynthesised using aqueous extracts of M. scaber: Insights from acetaminophen and testosterone experimental models

¹ Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun state, Nigeria.
² Department of Biochemistry,College of Science and Technology, Covenant University Ota, Ogun state, Nigeria

^* Corresponding author:iyanu.adesipe@federalpolyilaro.edu.ng

Abstract

Nanoparticle-based approaches have gained increasing attention due to their stability, bioavailability, and multifunctional biological activities. Aqueous extract of Mitracarpus scaber was utilized for silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesis at an elevated temperature of 100oC following established protocol. Techniques including UV-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to analyze the synthesized AgNPs. The hepatoprotective and anti-hyperplastic potentials of the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (Aq-AgNPs) was then evaluated using standard methods. The first indication of successful Aq-AgNPs synthesis was the color change from dark brown to light yellow observed after the addition of AgNO₃ solution to the aqueous extract of Mitracarpus scaber. The UV spectrum of Aq-AgNPs was observed to be 419 nm which is characteristic of silver nanoparticles while TEM analysis revealed that the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were predominantly spherical with an average size of 91.5 ± 35nm. The result of the hepatoprotective effect showed that Aq-AgNPs significantly reduced serum ALT (p < 0.001), creatinine (p < 0.05), urea (p < 0.05) and cholesterol levels (p < 0.05) of rats induced with liver damage, while enhancing antioxidant defenses (GSH, and SOD) and decreasing lipid peroxidation (MDA) in them. The result of the anti-hyperplastic activity revealed that the administration of Aq-AgNPs markedly lowered interleukin-6 (p < 0.0001), prostate weight (p < 0.001), MDA levels (p < 0.001) and PSA (p < 0.05) which were comparable to Finasteride. On the other hand, histological examinations revealed that treatment with Aq-AgNPs reversed alterations produced by acetaminophen and testosterone in the liver and prostate gland respectively. These findings indicates the potential of biosynthesized AgNPs using aqueous extract of Mitracarpus scaber as a novel therapeutic strategy for managing liver injury and benign prostatic hyperplasia.