Flax-Based Green-Synthesized Gold Nanoparticles Alleviate the Severity of Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms in Mice

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to explore the green synthesis and characterization of Gold Nanoparticles (GNPs) using an aqueous extract of Linum usitatissimum L. (Flax) and assess their potential role in neuroinflammatory disease management. Background: The therapeutic applications of green-synthesized GNPs are gaining prominence in addressing neurodegenerative and autoimmune disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Objectives: To evaluate the antioxidant properties of flax-mediated GNPs and their therapeutic efficacy in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE), a widely accepted animal model of MS. Materials and Methods: GNPs were synthesized by reducing Chloroauric Acid (HAuCl₄) with Flax extract. Characterization was performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Zetasizer analysis. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH assay. EAE was induced in female C57BL/6 mice via myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide and Freund’s adjuvant. Disease severity was evaluated by monitoring clinical scores and body weight changes. Results: The synthesized GNPs were less than 100 nm in size. Antioxidant activity, as determined by the DPPH assay, varied with GNP concentration. Notably, GNP treatment significantly reduced the severity of MS symptoms in EAE mice. Conclusion: These findings suggest that GNPs derived from Flax extract hold promise as therapeutic agents for alleviating clinical symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis. This study lays the groundwork for further investigation into the application of GNPs in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.