فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

The emergence of nanotechnology has enabled novel strategies for treating parasitic infections, particularly through the use of biosynthesized nanoparticles. This study focuses on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using white mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) extract as a bioreducing and stabilizing agent and evaluates their therapeutic efficacy against Leishmania donovani in a murine model of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–visible spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confirming their spherical morphology, crystalline structure, and surface plasmon resonance at ~430 nm. Mice were divided into five groups: healthy control, infected control, AgNPs-treated, Pentostam-treated, and AgNPs + Pentostam-treated. Treatment with AgNPs, either alone or in combination with Pentostam, significantly reduced liver and spleen enlargement or restored hematological parameters toward normal levels. The combined treatment showed the most notable therapeutic benefit, indicating a synergistic effect. These findings support the potential of mushroom-mediated AgNPs as a biocompatible and effective adjunct therapy for visceral leishmaniasis, offering a sustainable and less toxic alternative to conventional treatments.