Anti-apoptotic, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-ulcer Effect of Silver Green Synthesis of Boesenbergia Rotunda Rhizome

Background: Silver nanoparticles (SNPs) synthesized using the aqueous rhizome extract of Boesenbergia rotunda exhibit a wide range of biological activities and have traditionally been used in treating various ailments. The present study aimed to evaluate the gastroprotective effects of biosynthesized SNPs against ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal injury in rats. Methods: SNPs were synthesized and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Vis spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Result: Alleviated ethanol-induced gastric lesions, as evidenced by a reduced ulcer index. Ethanol-induced gastric damage was associated with decreased mucus production, lowered gastric pH, and increased ulcerated areas, edema, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the submucosa. Administration of SNPs markedly increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and elevated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels, while significantly reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in gastric tissue homogenates. SNPs also prevented oxidative stress by inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, SNP treatment enhanced periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) staining of the gastric mucosa, upregulated HSP-70 protein expression, and downregulated Bax protein levels. SNPs also modulated inflammatory cytokines by increasing IL-10 and reducing TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Acute toxicity testing at a high dose (500 mg/kg) showed no toxicological symptoms in rats. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that Boesenbergia rotunda -derived silver nanoparticles exert significant gastroprotective effects, likely due to their antioxidant properties, stimulation of gastric secretions, enhancement of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, PGE2), suppression of lipid peroxidation, upregulation of HSP-70, downregulation of Bax, and modulation of inflammatory cytokines.