EFFECT OF OPUNTIA FICUS-INDICA FRUIT NANO AND ALCOHOLIC EXTRACTS IN INDUCED-ATHEROSCLEROTIC RATS
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30970/sbi.1904.850
Abstract
Background. Atherosclerosis is a serious chronic disease that affects many people of all ages and requires continuous medication. To reduce the risk of side effects from these medications, the search for a less harmful natural treatment continues.
Materials and Methods. This study was designed to isolate an alcoholic extract from the fruit Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly pear), which was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Silver nanoparticles were also prepared by loading silver nitrate onto the alcoholic extract, and their formation was verified by monitoring colour change, FESEM, and FT-IR, respectively. The effects of these extracts were studied in male atherosclerotic rats by assessing glucose, lipid profile, liver, and kidney function as well as troponin, myoglobin, and creatine kinase.
Results. HPLC analysis of the alcoholic extract showed polyphenol compounds: gallic acid, quercetin, ferulic acid, rutin, kaempferol, cinnamic acid, tannic acid at concentrations of 88.9, 80.6, 45.2, 74.6, 50.6, 12.6, 20.7 μg/kg of prickly pear fruit, respectively. Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles produced a distinct colour change when the mixture was kept in a cold, dark place. FESEM indicated the presence of spherical nanoparticles with a size of 25 nm. The FT-IR also showed peak shifts when comparing the alcoholic extract with the nano-extract. The alcoholic extract produced a lower effect on lipid profiles, cardiac markers, creatinine levels, liver functions, and lipid peroxidation compared to the atherosclerotic control. Also, the nano-extract reduced the levels of kidney and liver function tests, as well as lipid peroxidation, lipid profiles, troponin, and creatine kinase-MB. The results also showed an increase in glutathione levels in atherosclerotic rats treated with the extracts compared to the untreated atherosclerotic control group.
Conclusion. High levels of polyphenol compounds were found in the alcoholic extract of prickly pear fruit. The results demonstrated that silver nanoparticle extract was more effective than the alcoholic extract in most parameters. These findings suggest that such extracts may reduce symptoms or complications of this disease.
Keywords
atherosclerosis, nanoparticles, troponin I, creatine kinase, myoglobin
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