Comparative Study of Nanosilymarin Loaded on Chitosan versus Free Silymarin in CCl4-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Female Rats

Abstract

The current study is aimed to determine the therapeutic efficacy of lower concentration of nanosilymarin(S-CsNPs) loaded on Chitosan compared to higher concentration of free silymarin in ameliorating CCl4-induced liver damage in female rats. 30 female albino rats were divided into groups to evaluate the hepatoprotective properties of silymarin and nanosilymarin (S-CsNPs). The study employed various biochemical assays to measure liver and kidney function markers, oxidative stress markers, and inflammation indicators. The results demonstrated significant improvements in liver enzyme levels, kidney function, and oxidative stress markers in groups treated with both free silymarin and (S-CsNPs), with S-CsNPs showing enhanced efficacy despite being administered in lower concentrations. The findings suggest that S-CsNPs could be a more effective therapeutic agent in mitigating liver damage caused by CCl4. Our study suggest that the oral administration of the (S-CsNPs) enhances the hepatoprotective effects of nanosilymarin against CCl4-induced liver damage in female rats. The S-CsNPs treated group showed significant improvements in liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP and GGT), kidney function (serum creatinine and urea levels) and reductions in oxidative stress markers (MDA) and inflammation(TNF-α) and improvement in (SOD and GSH levels) compared to free silymarin. These findings suggest that S-CsNPs could be a more effective treatment for protecting the liver from toxic substances such CCl4.