Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles from <i>Berberis Lycium</i> and their impact on liver and kidney health in albino mice

Abstract Objectives Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) possess unique physicochemical and biomedical properties; however, conventional synthesis approaches often involve hazardous chemicals that may limit biocompatibility. This study aimed to synthesize AuNPs using aqueous extract of Berberis lycium , characterize their physicochemical properties, and evaluate their toxicological effects in albino mice. Methods AuNPs were synthesized by incubating aqueous leaf extract of B. lycium with HAuCl₄ (1 mM) in a 1:9 ratio. Characterization was performed using UV–Visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). 40 albino mice were divided into four groups (n=10): control, 10 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg, and 50 mg/kg AuNPs administered intraperitoneally for 14 days. Liver and kidney tissues were examined through gross and histopathological analyses. Results UV–Visible spectroscopy confirmed AuNP formation with an absorption peak at 535 nm. XRD analysis demonstrated a face-centered cubic crystalline structure, while FTIR revealed phytochemical-mediated reduction and stabilization of nanoparticles. SEM imaging showed well-dispersed nanoparticles with predominantly cubic to hexagonal morphology and particle sizes ranging from 10–30 nm. Toxicological evaluation demonstrated no significant histopathological alterations at 10 mg/kg. Mild hepatic steatosis and renal inflammatory infiltration were observed at 25 mg/kg, whereas severe hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, including necrosis, hemorrhage, glomerular distortion, and tubular degeneration, were evident at 50 mg/kg. Conclusions Green-synthesized AuNPs derived from B. lycium are stable and relatively biocompatible at lower concentrations but produce significant dose-dependent hepatic and renal toxicity at higher doses. These findings highlight the importance of careful dose optimization and comprehensive toxicological assessment before biomedical application of plant-mediated gold nanoparticles.