Dermal Exposure of Morinda Citrifolia Linn. Fruit Extract Coated Gold Nanoparticles: Effects on Haematological and Biochemical Parameters in Wistar Rats

Abstract

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Morinda citrifolia fruit extract coated gold nanoparticles on subacute dermal toxicity in wistar rats. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) were synthesized by biological reduction (green synthesis) of chloroauric acid (HAuCl 4 .3H 2 O) with Azadirachta Indica (Neem) 5% leaf extract1. The nanoparticles characterized and were confirmed by colour changes from pale yellow to ruby red. These nanoparticles were coated with Morinda citrifolia fruit extract (McFE)1. The toxicity was evaluated in 50 wistar rats of either sex and randomly assigned to five groups. One group was considered healthy, three groups received dermal application of the combination of 1 mg/kg GNPs with 150 mg/kg McFE (Low dose), 2 mg/kg GNPs with 300 mg/kg McFE (Medium dose) and 4 mg/kg GNPs with 600 mg/kg McFE (High dose) dermal application for 28 days. The last group was considered as satellite group which received 8 mg/ kg GNPs with 1200 mg/kg McFE and animals were observed for extra 14 days beyond trial period for post withdrawal effect. There were no abnormal behavioral signs and no any alteration observed on skin throughout the experimental period. Hematological parameters showed no significant variations as a sign of toxicity except hike in neutrophil count and compensatory increase in TEC count on 28th day of entire treatment period but not in a dose dependent manner. Similarly, serum biochemical values showed a hike in ALT and AST in McFE coated GNPs groups. However, hike in BUN values in the experiment was observed to be non-dose dependent and a significant increase in creatinine dose independently on 28th days was observed. There was non-significant increase in total protein on day 14 was observed in the experiment. There was no significant toxicity in entire dosage, from hematology aspect but slight immune stimulation seen up-to 14th day of experiment (neutrophil) in McFE coated GNPs doses with no relation to dose and coating. However, in serum biochemical value slight liver functions tests affected on 14th day but no specific dose related toxicity is observed in any of the treatment. There is increase BUN and creatinine level on 28th day but proper excretion by kidney filtration units. A chronic toxicity trial is appealed to understand the extent of dermal toxicity.