Effect of biologically synthesized gold nanoparticles on alloxan-induced diabetic rats-An in vivo approach

Development of novel antidiabetic agents using various organic compounds and biomolecules has been in practice for a longtime. Recently, nanomaterials are also being used in antidiabetic studies for their unique properties such as small size, biocompatibility and ability to penetrate cell membrane for carrying drugs. Herein, in vivo antidiabetic activity of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) synthesized using the antidiabetic potent plant Gymnema sylvestre R. Br on wistar albino rats has been evaluated. The formation of AuNPs and their morphology were confirmed using spectroscopic and microscopic analyses, respectively. The treatment of AuNPs has shown significant reduction in blood glucose level on diabetic rats. AuNPs were also tested for its anti-inflammatory effect by estimating the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (CRP). (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.