Formulation of a Novel Drug by the <scp><i>Olea europaea</i></scp> Green‐Formulated Silver Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy

ABSTRACT In recent years, the application of nanotechnology in medicine has gained momentum, offering innovative approaches to the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. The current study reveals the ability of the leaves of the pharmacologically significant Olea europaea to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles. The newly developed silver nanoparticles were characterized using XRD, UV–Vis spectroscopy, FE‐SEM, FT‐IR, and EDX analysis. The impact of AgNPs@ O. europaea on retinal damage in diabetic rats was evaluated in the in vivo segment of the recent research. Following the induction of diabetes using STZ, the rats were divided into five distinct groups ( n = 10). These groups included a control group, a diabetic retinopathy group that received a saline solution, and three treatment groups that were administered AgNPs@ O. europaea at doses of 50, 100, and 200 μg/kg over 8 weeks. Upon the treatment protocol completion, measurements of body weight and blood glucose levels were conducted. Additionally, assessments were made on retinal vessel diameter, fundus photography, retinal vascular permeability, and regarding leukocytosis. The levels of GSH, CAT, and SOD, along with the concentrations of TNFα, NF‐κB, and IL‐10 were evaluated in the retina. AgNPs@ O. europaea , across all administered doses, significantly reduced ( p ≤ 0.01) the glucose levels, weight, TNFα, and NF‐κB concentrations, as well as retinal vascular permeability and leukocytosis. Conversely, it led to an increase in the levels of IL10, GSH, CAT, and SOD. Therefore, this study concludes that AgNPs@ O. europaea serves as an effective treatment for diabetic retinopathy.