ZnO Nanoparticles induced behavioral and hormonal alterations in Oryctolagus cuniculus and comparative ameliorative effects of methanolic and ethanolic corn extracts

Abstract

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are increasingly used in various applications, but their potential systemic toxicity remains a concern. This research was conducted to investigate the therapeutic potential of the methanolic and ethanolic corn extracts on zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) induced toxicity in adult rabbits of both sexes. Preparation of the powder extract was done by extracting ground powder with ethanol and methanol at room temperature, followed by filtration and drying. Phytochemical analysis of both maize extracts revealed a diverse range of phytochemical constituents. The ethanolic extract showed a comparatively broader phenolic compound and phytochemical profile than the methanolic extract, with several phenols and flavonoid derivatives, daidzin and scopolet. Adult male and female rabbits were separated into two experiments, further were sub-divided into six groups as: group A (control), B treated with ZnO nanoparticles alone (300 mg/kg BW), C and D treated with ZnO-NPs (300 mg/kg) and methanolic extract of corn at two levels (150 and 300 mg/kg) and E and F treated with ZnO-NPs (300 mg/kg) and ethanolic extract of corn (150 and 300 mg/kg) for 24 days. ZnO-NPs exposure produced marked behavioral disturbances, such as locomotor and exploratory activity and Grooming Behavior, Body weight, food intake and hormonal alterations LH, TSH, T3, T4, decreased significantly (p<0.05), and FSH levels increased significantly (p<0.05). Methanolic extract showed partial protection, whereas ethanolic extract showed greater amelioration, specifically at 300 mg/kg, with restoration of behavioral response and hormonal assay. Overall, ethanolic maize extract demonstrated greater protective potential against ZnO-NP-associated toxicity, which may be due to its bioactive compounds, and can be further used against toxic elements.