Investigating the Therapeutic Potential of Tamarix aphylla Leaf Extract Against Toxicity Caused by Graphene Nanosheets in Cirrhinus mrigala.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVE

Graphene nanosheets (GNS) have found more applications in biomedical and industrial uses, but exposure to GNS can cause adverse health outcomes, such as oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and tissue injury, depending on their dose and physicochemical characteristics. This study evaluates the potential of Tamarix aphylla leaf extract to mitigate GNS toxicity in Cirrhinus mrigala.

METHODS

Conducted under controlled conditions, the research comprised two phases. Phase I determined the 96-h LC50 of GNS as 1213.72 mg/L, with subsequent exposures set at 10%, 20%, and 30% of LC50 (121.37, 60.58, and 40.45 mg/L). Phase II involved a 14-day co-treatment of fish exposed to 60.58 mg/L GNS with 25, 50, and 75 mg/L of the extract.

RESULTS

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) identified key bioactive compounds in the extract, including ferulic, chlorogenic, gallic, p-coumaric, and caffeic acids, along with malic, citric, and oxalic acids. Malic acid was the predominant compound. Histopathological analysis revealed GNS-induced damage in the liver, kidney, and intestine, such as necrosis, sinusoidal dilation, and glomerulopathy. However, these effects were significantly reduced in extract-treated groups, highlighting the protective role of antioxidants and organic acids in the extract.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that T. aphylla leaf extract effectively reduces GNS toxicity, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for mitigating the environmental impact of graphene-related pollutants.