Liver-Targeting Nanoparticles of iron oxide (Fe ₃ O ₄ ) and their complexes with phytopreparation for the biocompatibility

Thanks to their simple synthesis, controlled physical properties, and minimal toxicity, iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe ₃ O ₄ NPs) are widely used in many biomedical applications (bioimaging, drug delivery, biosensors, diagnostics, theranostics, etc.). However, the use of NPs does not preclude the possibility of some selective toxicity and undesirable effects, including their accumulation in tissues and direct interaction with specific biological targets. This study evaluated the biocompatibility of Fe ₃ O ₄ NPs, Teucrium polium ( T. polium) extract, rutin, and their complexes on the liver tissue of healthy white Wistar rats.The impact profile of the synthesized Fe ₃ O ₄ NPs (15 ± 4 nm), rutin, T. polium extract, and their complexes on biochemical markers of liver function (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, total protein, albumin) and morphological indicators of rat liver was investigated. Fe ₃ O ₄ NPs, rutin, and T. polium extract do not have direct hepatotoxicity when administered i/p to rats, unlike their complexes. All agents exert a hypolipidemic effect by lowering LDL, despite maintaining the synthetic functions of the liver. Fe ₃ O ₄ NPs increase the activity of GPO, which is associated with their peroxidase-like properties. A multifaceted and diverse mechanism of action of all studied samples on the liver of Wistar rats was identified.