Biogenic Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Phagnalon niveum and Its In Vivo Anti-Diabetic Effect against Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a non-communicable, life-threatening syndrome that is present all over the world. The use of eco-friendly, cost-effective and green synthesised nanoparticles (NPs) as a medicinal therapy in the treatment of T2DM is an attractive option. Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-diabetic potential of the phyto-synthesised silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) obtained from Phagnalon niveum plant methanolic extract. Methods: The green synthesised AgNPs made from Phagnalon niveum plant methanolic extract were analysed by Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, and the functional groups involved in the reduction of the silver ions (Ag+) were characterised by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The size and crystallinity were assessed via X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The morphology of AgNPs was confirmed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The amount of silver (Ag) was estimated via energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. An intraperitoneal injection of 200 mg alloxan per kg albino Wistar rats’ body weight, at eight weeks old and weighing 140–150 g, was used to induce diabetes mellitus (N = 25; n = 5/group). Group C: untreated normal control rats that only received distilled water, group DAC: diabetic control rats that received alloxan 200 mg/Kg body weight, DG: diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide at 0.5 mg/kg body weight, DE: diabetic rats that received methanolic P. niveum extract at 10 mg/Kg body weight, and DAgNPs: diabetic rates that received AgNPs synthesised from P. niveum at 10 mg/kg body weight. The blood glucose levels were monitored on days 0, 7, and 14, while lipid, liver, and kidney profiles were checked after dissection at the end of treatment (day 21). On the final day of the period study (day 21), an oral glucose tolerance test was carried out by administering orally 2 g/kg body weight of glucose to the respective groups, and the blood glucose level was checked. A fasting glucose level was measured using a glucometer. Urine samples were collected from each animal and analysed using lab-made assay kits for glucose, bilirubin, pH, leukocytes, and nitrite, among other factors. For statistical analyses, a one-way ANOVA and Dunnett’s test were applied. Results: The green-mediated synthesis of AgNPs using P. niveum methanolic extract produced spherical and mono-dispersed NPs with a size ranging from 12 to 28 nm (average: 21 nm). Importantly, a significant reduction of blood glucose levels and an increase in body weight, as well as a remarkable improvement in lipid, liver, and kidney profiles, were noticed. Conclusions: The biosynthesised AgNPs significantly improved the abnormalities in body weight, urine, and serum levels, indicating that it is a promising anti-diabetic agent.

Antidiabetic potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa extract in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

“…Currently available treatment options for diabetes mellitus are achieved through oral hypoglycemic agents (metformin, sulfonylureas, and thiazolidinediones), insulin therapy, dietary guidance, and regular physical activity [7,8]. Unfortunately, their use is limited by adverse effects including gastrointestinal disorders, hypoglycemia, pancreatic degeneration, liver damage in the body [9], failure to achieve glycemic control, a different drug response among individuals [8,10] and cardiovascular disorders [9]. Moreover, antidiabetic drugs have become very expensive due to the high cost of treatment and these constraints lead people in developing countries to turn to traditional medicine for their primary health care keeping.…”

Biogenic Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Catharanthus roseus and Its Cytotoxicity Effect on Vero Cell Lines

“…The XRD graph was plotted by intensity vs. 2θ. In the spectrum, the sharp peaks show crystalline [ 13 , 14 ] in which atoms were arranged in a periodic pattern of three dimensions (3D). The variation of peaks in XRD spectrum was due to doping or foreign atoms capping, so it confirmed the synthesis of the composite [ 3 ].…”

“…The plant entities used as in production and assembly of AgNPs have gained attention due to their quick, non-hazardous, eco-friendly, and economical protocol, as they provide a simple, single-step technique for the biosynthesis of nanoparticles [ 12 ]. Finding novel hypoglycemic medications with fewer side effects along with better effectiveness is a worthwhile endeavor, and this has been the focus of previous study [ 13 ]. Biologically inspired green synthesis of nanoparticles has become a promising alternative against the chemically fabricated process considering reduced toxicity [ 14 ].…”

Green Synthesis of Bioinspired Nanoparticles Mediated from Plant Extracts of Asteraceae Family for Potential Biological Applications

“…It is also caused due to changes in food and lifestyle. A recent investigation reported that silver NPs synthesized from Phagnalon niveum methanol extract demonstrated antidiabetic activity by reducing the blood glucose level and also reduced the body weight of rats in 1 to 21 days [ 178 ]. Spherical shaped-CuO NPs synthesized from Silybum marianum seed extract displayed great enzymatic inhibitory activity against ureases, alpha-amylase, and lipases so it was concluded that they can act as antidiabetic agents [ 179 ].…”