Anti-Arthritis and Biosafety Properties of Green Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Loaded with Cedrus libani Extract
- Publish Date: 1 - September - 2025
Research Abstract:
This study aimed to develop a simple and safe green synthesis method for zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using ethanolic extract and aqueous fraction of Cedrus libani to enhance their therapeutic efficacy and biosafety as potential anti-arthritis agents. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using UV-visible spectrophotometry, FTIR, FESEM, EDX, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential analysis. The results confirmed successful synthesis of ZnO NPs with particle sizes of 71 and 44 nm. In vitro evaluations demonstrated superior anti-arthritic activity of the synthesized nanoparticles compared to plant extracts and sodium diclofenac, through albumin denaturation inhibition and human red blood cell membrane stabilization assays. Ex vivo permeability studies also revealed high skin permeability, supporting their potential for topical application. In vivo experiments showed significant inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw edema and improvement in inflammatory biomarkers, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), with better outcomes than the standard drug. Acute and subacute dermal toxicity studies confirmed the safety and biosafety of the synthesized nanoparticles. Overall, the green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles showed high permeability, superior efficacy, and excellent safety, making them a promising natural therapeutic candidate for arthritis
Publishers:
