*Article* **Starch-Based Hydrogel Nanoparticles Loaded with Polyphenolic Compounds of Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract Have Hepatoprotective Activity in Bisphenol A-Induced Animal Models**

**Hend Mohamed Hasanin Abou El-Naga 1,†, Samah A. El-Hashash <sup>1</sup> , Ensaf Mokhtar Yasen <sup>1</sup> , Stefano Leporatti <sup>2</sup> and Nemany A. N. Hanafy 3,\* ,†**

	- Kafr El Sheikh 33516, Egypt

**Citation:** Abou El-Naga, H.M.H.; El-Hashash, S.A.; Yasen, E.M.; Leporatti, S.; Hanafy, N.A.N. Starch-Based Hydrogel Nanoparticles Loaded with Polyphenolic Compounds of Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract Have Hepatoprotective Activity in Bisphenol A-Induced Animal Models. *Polymers* **2022**, *14*, 2846. https://doi.org/10.3390/ polym14142846

Academic Editors: Lorenzo Antonio Picos Corrales, Angel Licea-Claverie and Grégorio Crini

Received: 20 June 2022 Accepted: 11 July 2022 Published: 13 July 2022

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**Abstract:** Bisphenol A (BPA) is an xenoestrogenic chemical used extensively in the fabrication of baby bottles, reusable plastic water bottles and polycarbonate plastic containers. The current study aims to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of *Moringa oleifera* Lam leaf extract (MOLE) and hydrogel NPs made of starch-MOLE-Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) against Bisphenol A-induced liver toxicity in male rats. Fabrication and characterization of hydrogel NPs formed of starch-MOLE-BSA were investigated using FTIR, TEM, zeta potential, UV-visible spectroscopy and fluorescence spectrophotometer. The potential efficacy of hydrogel NPs was studied. Compared to the results of control, the level of liver function, oxidative stress markers and lipid profile status were remodulated in the groups treated with MOLE and hydrogel NPs (Encap. MOLE). Meanwhile, the administration of MOLE and Encap MOLE significantly increased antioxidant activity and decreased the level of apoptotic pathways. Heme oxygenase (HO)-1 and growth arrest -DNA damage-inducible gene 45b (Gadd45b) were also regulated in the groups treated with MOLE and Encap. MOLE compared to the group which received BPA alone. In the present study, MOLE and hydrogel NPs led to remarkable alterations in histological changes during BPA administration. Overall, MOLE has a potential antioxidant activity which can be used in the treatment of liver disorders.

**Keywords:** starch; Bisphenol A; Moringa leaf extract; encapsulating Moringa leaf extract
