Synthesis of silver nanoparticles by Galega officinalis and its hypoglycemic effects in type 1 diabetic rats

Objective(s): Diabetes is related with the higher blood levels of liver enzymes and inflammatory factors.  Galega officinalis is used as a medicinal plant for treatment of diabetes traditionally. In this work, silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) were synthesized with green method using Galega officinalis extract.Materials and Methods: The synthesized green Ag-NPs were characterized completely. Intact or diabetic rats receieved intraperitoneal injection of saline or 2/5mg/Kg  green synthesized Ag-NPs. Mean serum levels of glucose,  hepatic enzymes and hematological parameter were determined. Gene expression of tumor necrotic factor alpha (TNF-α) was done by real-time PCR.  Results: Synthesis of green synthesized Ag-NPs was confirmed by FT-IR, XRD and UV-vis analyses. The FESEM and TEM images showed spherical Ag-NPs with size of 25 nm. The hypoglycemic influence of Ag-NPs using Galega officinalis extract is reported for the first time in this study. Blood concentration of liver enzymes, urea, glucose, white blood cells count and TNF-α mRNA levels in visceral adipose tissue significantly declined in diabetic rats receiving Ag-NPs.Conclusion: The synthesized Ag-NPs using Galega officinalis extract may improve complication of diabetes via preventing liver hepatocyte damage and reducing inflammatory factors.