Background/Objectives: The green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using plant-derived flavonoids offers a sustainable alternative to traditional methods. This study aimed to synthesize, characterize, and evaluate the biological activities and cytogenotoxicity of AuNPs functionalized with naringin (NG) and its aglycone, naringenin (NGN). Methods: Synthesis was optimized by varying pH, HAuCl4 concentration, reagent ratios, temperature, and stirring time. The resulting AuNPs-NG and AuNPs-NGN were characterized via Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis) Spectroscopy, Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (STEM-EDX). Biological potential was assessed through five antioxidant assays, alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibition, and antimicrobial screening. Cytogenotoxicity was evaluated using the Allium cepa root meristem model. Results: Optimal synthesis occurred at pH 10 for both flavonoids (NG at 40 °C, NGN at 20 °C). STEM revealed AuNPs-NG were smaller (54.64 ± 13.15 nm) and more polydisperse than AuNPs-NGN (135.52 ± 23.85 nm). Both nanoformulations exhibited superior antioxidant and antidiabetic activities compared to free precursors, with AuNPs-NGN showing the highest potency in inhibiting lipoxygenase (LOX) (EC50 = 9.58 ± 0.74 µg/mL). No antimicrobial activity was detected. In the Allium cepa test, both AuNPs induced concentration-dependent reduction in the mitotic index and triggered predominantly aneugenic chromosomal abnormalities. Conclusions: NG and NGN successfully act as reducing and stabilizing agents for AuNPs, with NGN providing enhanced biological efficacy alongside larger particle sizes. While these biogenic AuNPs show significant therapeutic potential as antioxidant and antidiabetic agents, their concentration-dependent cytogenotoxicity must be carefully considered for biomedical applications.
Ozana-Andreea Măriuț, I. Macovei, Ana Flavia Burlec et al.· Pharmaceuticals· 0 citations
Since inflammation is a fundamental process involved in tissue injury and repair, the evaluation of the anti-inflammatory potential of novel compounds is of considerable importance. Acute toxicity evaluation in Swiss albino mice revealed that the synthesized thiazolidin-4-one derivatives of ferulic acid possess moderate toxicity. The in vivo biological activity of synthesized thiazolidin-4-one derivatives (1a–j) was assessed through a model of acute inflammation induced by carrageenan in rats and in a chronic inflammation model induced in rats using the granuloma test. The compounds exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects, with maximum activity observed 24 h after administration, suggesting a prolonged duration of action. In the acute inflammation model, compound 1g exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory activity, achieving 97.43% inhibition of inflammatory edema after 24 h. In the chronic inflammation model, all derivatives reduced granulation tissue formation, indicating inhibition of the proliferative component of inflammation, with compound 1e showing the highest inhibition (79.85%). Safety evaluation was complemented by biochemical and hematological investigations performed on blood samples collected from the experimental animals. Hepatic function was assessed by measuring serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), together with renal and hematological parameters, revealing no significant toxicity. In addition, biochemical analysis of liver homogenates demonstrated modulation of oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities, indicating that the investigated thiazolidin-4-one derivatives do not induce marked oxidative imbalance under the experimental conditions. Overall, compound 1g emerged as the most promising derivative based on its balanced anti-inflammatory efficacy and favorable oxidative stress profile.
Maria Drăgan, A. Iacob, Cornelia Mircea et al.· Molecules· 0 citations
