Ameliorabbitive potential of green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles against Leishmania donovani-induced liver lesions in male albino rabbits
Department of Forensic, College of Science, University of Kirkuk, Iraq.
* Corresponding Author
Research Article
Open Access Research Journal of Biology and Pharmacy, 2026, 16(02), 160–167.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjbp.2026.16.2.0008
Publication history:
Received on 08 March 2026; revised on 08 April 2026; accepted on 12 April 2026
Abstract:
Introduction: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a fatal disease caused by Leishmania donovani, is a major global health problem that requires the development of biocompatible and effective nanotherapeutic alternatives to conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy.
Objectives: The current study was designed to assess the potentiality of green-synthesized ZnO-NPs in ameliorabbiting hepatocellular damage and hepatic function in albino rabbits infected with L. donovani.
Materials and Methods: Biosynthesis of ZnO-NPs was conducted using Crocus sativus L. extract. Twenty male albino rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: healthy control, L. donovani infected or only infected for 14 days and treated with 50 µg/kg ZnO-NPs for 14 days, or ZnO-NPs control (25-29). The serum biochemical analyses (MDA and GSH concentrabbition) and histopathologic evaluation of the liver.
Results: The L. donovani-infected group demonstrabbited a significant increase in MDA levels (87.34 ± 7.11 pg/mL) and a marked depletion in GSH levels (11.37 ± 3.81 pg/mL) compared to the healthy control group. Treatment with ZnO-NPs significantly ameliorabbited these markers, reducing MDA to 31.57 ± 6.26 pg/mL and restoring GSH to 27.12 ± 4.72 pg/mL. Histopathologically, infected rabbits showed severe hepatocyte degenerabbition and central vein wall thickening, which were significantly mitigated by ZnO-NPs treatment, resulting in a semi-normal structure, while the ZnO-NPs control group remained comparable to healthy controls.
Conclusions: The green-synthesized ZnO-NPs show considerable therapeutic promise to repair liver injuries and improve hepatic integrity during L. donovani infection.
Keywords:
Visceral Leishmaniasis, Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles, Green Synthesis, Oxidative Stress, Liver.
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