Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide-Nanoparticles from Ziziphus Spina-Christi Leaves Extract: Characterization and Their Protective Effects Against Liver Disturbances in Adenine-Exposed Male Rats

Abstract

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have a significant feature due to their uses in various fields including medicine, biosensors, food additives, and electronic materials. This study aimed to the green synthesis of ZnO-NPs using aqueous extract of Ziziphus-spina christi leaves (Sider) and evaluates its protective roles against liver disorders after adenine-exposed male rats. Thirty-six male rats (3 months in age and weighing 200 ± 5 g) were randomly divided into 6 equal groups as following: Control adenine, Ziziphus-spina christi, ZnO-NPs, adenine + Ziziphus-spina christi and adenine + ZnO-NPs for 30 days. At the end of 30 days, the activity of (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and concentrations of reduced glutathione (GSH) and nitric oxide (NO) were determined, as well as the liver histopathological alterations were investigated. Moreover, the body weight of all rats was measured over a week. The synthesized ZnO-NPs was characterized using several techniques. UV-Visible analysis showed a specific absorption peak at 362 nm. In Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) absorption bands of Zn-O stretching bonding showed between 400 and 500 cm−1. Their crystallinity, hexagonal shape, size, and the specific surface area for the dry ZnO-NPs were also determined using the techniques of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) respectively. Results showed significant decreases in ALT, AST and ALP in both groups adenine + Ziziphus-spina christi leaves extract and adenine + ZnO-NPs in comparison to the adenine group (p < 0.05), as well as significant increases in body weight. Significant decrease was also demonstrated in NO level associated with an increase in SOD, and GSH. Based on these results, it can be said that ZnO-NPs and Ziziphus-spina christi leaves effectively protect against adenine-induced liver disorders, these were confirmed by improvements marked in histological changes of liver tissue of rats.