NANOTECHNOLOGY IMPROVES THE ACTIVITY OF HERBAL MEDICINES: GREEN SYNTHESIS OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES USING COSTUS AFER LEAF EXTRACT AND ITS EFFECT ON HEMATOLOGICAL INDICES IN ADULT MALE WISTAR RATS

Nanotechnology is a rapidly growing area of scientific interest due to its wide applications in catalysis, solar energy, waste management, and sensing technology. Nanomaterials are efficiently used in the field of medicine for the purpose of drug delivery, diagnosis, treatment of cardiovascular diseases, wound healing, and development of antimicrobial agents. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Costus afer-AgNPs extract on the PCV level of male rats. In this experimental study, 18 adult male rats were used. The rats were randomly divided into six groups. The first group (control) adequately consumed compressed food and water without any restrictions during the experiment. The second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth experimental groups respectively consumed 200mg, 400mg, 600mg, 800mg, and 1000mg Costus afer-AgNPs extract per kilogram body weight in a daily manner. Blood samples were taken from all groups after four weeks through anesthesia. PCV and Hb test was carried out using the blood serum. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS, ANOVA, and LSD tests. PCV levels significantly increased in the experimental groups receiving 600mg, 800mg, and 1000mg Costus afer-AgNPs extract per kilogram body weight compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Costus afer-AgNPs maintained PCV levels. Hb concentration significantly increased in the experimental groups receiving 600mg, 800mg, and 1000mg Costus afer-AgNPs extract per kilogram body weight compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Costus afer-AgNPs increased Hb concentration. This study’s findings suggest that Costus afer-AgNPs extract could prevent anaemia by possessing a blood tonic effect.