Cytotoxicity, Anti-diabetic, and Hepato-protective Potential of Ajuga bracteosa-conjugated Silver Nanoparticles in Balb/c Mice

Abstract

Background: Ajuga bracteosa is a traditional herb used against various diseases.

Objectives: Current research aimed to investigate the anti-diabetic and hepato-protective effect of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (ABAgNPs) using Ajuga bracteosa aqueous extract (ABaqu).

Methods: In vitro anti-diabetic and cytotoxic effects were carried out via α- glucosidase inhibition, brine shrimp lethality, and protein kinase inhibition assays. For in vivo screening of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of both ABAgNPs and ABaqu in alloxan-induced and CCl4-induced Swiss albino mice were used. Liver and kidney functional markers, hematology, and histopathological studies were carried out after 14 days of administration.

Results: In vivo antidiabetic and anti-cancerous effects showed valuable anti-hyperglycemic and hepatoprotective potential when mice were treated with ABaqu and ABAgNPs. A significant reduction in the blood glucose level was recorded when ABaqu and ABAgNPs were administrated orally compared to Glibenclamide treated group. Significant reduction in ALT, AST, ALP, urea, uric acid, and creatinine was recorded in ABaqu and ABAgNPs treated diabetic mice. The hepato-protective findings indicated that ALT, ALP, AST were elevated in CCl4-induced mice while declined in both ABAgNPs and ABaqu treated CCl4-induced mice. Histopathological examination revealed that ABAgNPs have hepato-protective activity.

Conclusion: It was concluded that ABAgNPs and ABaqu possessed strong anti-diabetic and hepatoprotective phytoconstituents, which could be used in the prevention of diseases.

Keywords: Ajuga bracteosa; CCl4; alloxan.; anti-cancerous activity; anti-diabetic activity; mice; silver nanoparticles.