Evaluation of Momordica dioica Mediated Silver Nanoparticles for Wound Management: In Vivo Study on Wistar Rats

This study aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) utilizing Momordica dioica leaf extract through an environmentally sustainable green synthesis approach and to evaluate their multifunctional potential, with a particular emphasis on their wound-healing efficacy in Wistar rats along with antioxidant and phytochemical characteristics.

In vivo wound healing experiments were conducted using Wistar rats assigned to four groups: Ag NPs–Vaseline, Vaseline, control, and sham. The topical formulation comprised 1 mg of green-synthesized Ag NPs incorporated into 1 g of Vaseline. Wound contraction was assessed periodically, and histopathological examinations of wound tissues and major organs (liver, kidney, heart, and spleen) were performed. Biochemical analyses included the evaluation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, serum creatinine, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) to determine systemic toxicity and inflammation. Antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Phytochemical profiling of the leaf extract was carried out using High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS).

The Ag NP–treated group demonstrated significantly enhanced wound closure, improved epithelialization, and favorable histological tissue architecture compared to control groups. No pathological alterations or toxicity were observed in major organs. Biochemical parameters remained within normal physiological ranges, indicating that the nanoparticles did not elicit hepatic, renal, or inflammatory complications during the healing process. The synthesized Ag NPs demonstrated significant antioxidant activity in a concentration-dependent manner. HRMS analysis revealed the presence of bioactive phytochemicals, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, and alkaloids, which play a key role in nanoparticle synthesis and stabilization.

Silver nanoparticles synthesized from M. dioica leaf extract exhibited excellent wound-healing efficacy and did not induce systemic toxicity, highlighting their biocompatibility, strong antioxidant, and therapeutic potential. The presence of diverse phytochemicals identified by HRMS supports their role in green synthesis and bioactivity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the multifunctional biomedical applicability of M. dioica–derived Ag NPs, demonstrating their promise for future development of advanced wound care formulations.

This study successfully synthesized eco-friendly silver nanoparticles utilizing the leaf extract of Momordica dioica (spine gourd) and evaluated their efficacy in enhancing wound healing in rats. The plant-derived nanoparticles facilitated accelerated wound closure, mitigated inflammation, and potentially contributed to infection prevention. Additionally, they exhibited significant antioxidant activity, as demonstrated by the DPPH assay, thereby helping protect tissues from damage during the healing process. Analysis by high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) identified natural bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and phenolics, in the leaf extract, which are instrumental in the formation and stabilization of the nanoparticles. Importantly, hematological assessments and organ studies indicated no adverse effects, affirming the safety of the treatment. In conclusion, these findings propose that green-synthesized silver nanoparticles represent a safe, natural, and sustainable therapeutic option for the treatment of infected or slow-healing wounds.