Protective Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Ziziphora clinopodioides on Hepato-Renal Toxicity of Silver Nanoparticles in Male Rats: An Experimental Study

Background and Objectives: Toxicological studies on silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) have great importance due to their extensive biomedical applications.Because of high antioxidant property of Ziziphora clinopodioides, the aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of this plant against Ag-NPs-induced toxicity. Materials and Methods:In this experimental study, 30 male rats weighing 20020 g were divided into 5 groups of 6 which included the control group, the group receiving Ag-NPs with a dose of 200 ppm, the groups receiving the hydroalcoholic extract of Ziziphora clinopodioides with doses of 20, 60, and 180 mg/kg along with Ag-NPs (200 ppm).The compounds were administered orally once a day for 30 days.At the end of the treatment period, blood samples were collected and serum activity of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and serum concentration of urea and creatinine were evaluated.Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test. Results:The results indicated that administration of Ag-NPs significantly increased the serum activity of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and serum concentration of urea and creatinine compared to the control group (p<0.05).These changes were improved during treatment with the extract of Ziziphora clinopodioides in different doses compared to the group receiving Ag-NPs (p<0.05). Conclusion:Based on the results of the present study, the Ziziphora clinopodioides may be effective in preventing the toxicity of Ag-NPs.