Hepatoprotective and Anticancer Effects of Bryophyllum Pinnatum-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles in a Diethylnitrosamine and Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Rat Model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1010-5169Keywords:
BPCNPnp, Bryophyllum Pinnatum Pinnatum, Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticle, CNPnp, Chitosan Nanoparticles, BP, Bryophyllum Pinnatum, Nanotechnology, Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), Hepatoprotection, Diethylnitrosamine Diethylnitrosamine, Hepatocellular Carcinoma. (DENA), Carbon Tetrachloride (Ccl₄), Liver Enzymes, Nanomedicine, Antioxidant Therapy, Targeted Drug DeliveryAbstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major global health concern, often resulting from chronic liver disease and exposure to carcinogens such as diethylnitrosamine (DENA). In this study, Bryophyllum pinnatum-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (BPCNPnp) were synthesized via the ionic gelation method and characterized using FTIR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, zeta potential analysis, SEM, and GC-MS. The resulting nanoparticles demonstrated favorable physicochemical properties, including a mean size of 116.7 nm, a zeta potential of +28.84 mV, and the successful encapsulation of bioactive phytochemicals such as oleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid. The therapeutic efficacy of BPCNPnp, Bryophyllum pinnatum extract (BP), and plain chitosan nanoparticles (CNPnp) was evaluated in a DENA and carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced rat model of HCC. Forty male albino rats were divided into five groups: control, HCC-induced, doxorubicin-treated, BPCNPnp-treated, and BP-treated. Biochemical markers showed significant elevations in the HCC group (ALT: 279.33±7.37 U/L, AST: 200±2.30 U/L, ALP: 244±0.00 U/L, total bilirubin: 1.87±0.15 μmol/L) compared to controls. Treatment with BPCNPnp significantly reduced these levels (ALT: 78.33±0.57 U/L, AST: 99.33±4.93 U/L, ALP: 128±2.31 U/L, total bilirubin: 1.34±0.58 μmol/L), approaching values observed in the doxorubicin group. Histopathological analysis supported these findings: BPCNPnp-treated livers exhibited restored lobular architecture, reduced inflammation, and diminished fibrosis, unlike the severe necrosis and disorganization seen in untreated HCC rats. Although doxorubicin produced a more pronounced reduction in biomarkers, BPCNPnp demonstrated substantial therapeutic efficacy with potential advantages in biocompatibility and reduced systemic toxicity. These results underscore the promise of BPCNPnp as a multifunctional nanocarrier for targeted liver cancer therapy
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