Evaluation of Ficus Racemosa as A Hepatoprotective Agent and Its Nano-Enabled Drug Delivery Strategy

Abstract

Ficus racemosa, traditionally recognized in Ayurveda for its hepatoprotective properties, lacks substantial validation in contemporary scientific literature. This study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of ethyl acetate leaf extract of Ficus racemosa and its biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatotoxicity in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Plant leaves and bark were extracted using Soxhlet reflux with ethyl acetate and methanol over three days. Phytochemical profiling confirmed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, steroids, alkaloids, and tannins. Total phenolic content was estimated via Folin-Ciocalteu assay, and flavonoids quantified by aluminum chloride colorimetric method at 415 nm. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and nitric oxide radical scavenging assays, demonstrating strong radical inhibition with low IC₅₀ values. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized from ethyl acetate leaf extract and optimized using Box-Behnken Design in Design Expert software. Rats were administered 400 mg/kg of the ethyl acetate extract and AgNPs orally for seven consecutive days. Hepatoprotective efficacy was evaluated via serum biochemical markers (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, total protein) and antioxidant enzymes, alongside histopathological examination of liver tissues. Both treatment groups demonstrated significant reversal of CCl₄-induced liver damage, with silver nanoparticles showing superior efficacy in normalizing elevated enzyme levels and improving antioxidant defenses. Histology confirmed reduced hepatic necrosis and inflammation in treated groups. The study concludes that the ethyl acetate extract and its AgNP formulation possess potent hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties, likely attributed to their rich phytochemical content.