Protective efficacy of Helianthemum lippii–derived silver nanoparticles against CdCl₂-induced oxidative, endocrine, and reproductive toxicity

Cadmium chloride (CdCl₂), a widespread environmental contaminant, poses serious risks to food safety and human health by disrupting endocrine balance, impairing hematological parameters, and damaging reproductive organs. This study assessed the protective efficacy of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) synthesized using Helianthemum lippii phytochemicals against CdCl₂-induced toxicity in male Wistar rats. Animals were divided into four groups: control, CdCl₂-exposed, Ag NPs-treated, and CdCl₂-exposed followed by Ag NPs post-treatment. CdCl₂ significantly reduced free triiodothyronine (FT3: 3.95 ± 0.01 pmol/L) and free thyroxine (FT4: 18.99 ± 0.21 pmol/L), while elevating thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH: 0.0055 ± 0.00087 µU/mL). It also induced anemia, lowering red blood cell count (RBC: 6.37 ± 0.14 × 10⁶/µL) and hemoglobin (Hb: 12.27 ± 0.37 g/dL). Post-treatment with phytochemical-loaded Ag NPs restored FT3 and FT4 by 140% and 160%, respectively, and normalized TSH. Oxidative stress was alleviated, with malondialdehyde (MDA) reduced by 55% (0.33 ± 0.03 nmol/mg protein). Histopathological analysis confirmed testicular regeneration with a 30% decrease in inflammation and structural injury. These findings demonstrate that H. lippii-derived Ag NPs possess strong antioxidants, endocrine-protective, and cytoprotective potential against cadmium toxicity.