PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF GINSENG NANOPARTICLES AGAINST BOLDENONE UNDECYLENATE -INDUCED LIVER AND KIDNEY DAMAGE IN RATS

Boldenone undecylenate (BOLD), an anabolic androgenic steroid, is widely misused for muscle enhancement despite its documented hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects mediated by oxidative stress. Ginseng, particularly in nanoparticle form, has gained attention for its potent antioxidant and tissue-protective properties. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of ginseng bulk nanoparticles (Gin NPs) against boldenone-induced liver and kidney injury in rats. Fifty adults male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: control, sesame oil vehicle, Gin NPs 30 (30 mg/kg orally), BOLD (5 mg/kg intramuscularly), and BOLD + Gin NPs 30. Treatments were administered for eight weeks. Serum liver and kidney function biomarkers (ALT, AST, urea, creatinine) were quantified. Oxidative stress indices malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (CAT) were assessed in hepatic and renal tissues. Histopathological evaluations and semi-quantitative scoring were conducted to determine tissue alterations. Boldenone administration significantly elevated serum ALT, AST, urea, and creatinine levels (P< 0.05), along with increased hepatic and renal MDA and reduced CAT activity, indicating marked oxidative damage and organ dysfunction. Histological analysis confirmed hepatocellular necrosis, sinusoidal congestion, glomerular atrophy, and tubular degeneration. Co-treatment with Gin NPs 30 markedly mitigated these effects, as evidenced by significant biochemical improvement and histological preservation of hepatic and renal architectures. Lesion scores in liver and kidney tissues were significantly lower in the BOLD + Gin NPs 30 group compared to the BOLD-only group (P< 0.05). Ginseng bulk nanoparticles confer significant protection against boldenone-induced hepatorenal toxicity through their antioxidative mechanisms. These findings highlight the protective effect of Gin NPs against boldenone undecylenate-induced organ damage.