SYNTHESIS OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES FROM ALKANNA TINCTORIA AND THEIR FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Abstract

Since prehistoric times, mankind have used medicinal plants to alleviate illnesses and relieve physical suffering. People are becoming increasingly interested in science, particularly biotechnology and biomedical procedures, because of nanotechnology. The term "nanoparticles" (NPs) describes nuclear or molecular structures that have at least one spatial dimension up to 100 nanometers. The manufacture of nanoparticles using plant extracts has increased in relevance because of its simplicity, affordability, environmental sustainability, and particle size control. The aim of this study is to investigate, within the overall framework of natural product research, the antiviral and antibacterial properties of plant extracts obtained from natural sources. Fruit (R. canina), leaves (S. pallidum V bithynicum), and roots (A. tinctoria). Additionally, the novel production of nanoparticles using the root extract of A. tinctoria is included in this study. Identifying any potential bioactive substances in these plant extracts and investigating their prospective uses in the fields of biotechnology and medicine are the main objectives of the study. In the present study, ethanol was utilized as a solvent to extract the bioactive components from the relevant plant materials. The standard diffusion and broth microdilution testing techniques were used to evaluate the extracts' antibacterial activity against various bacterial strains. Using the DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging method, the sample's antioxidant capacity was evaluated. With variable levels of effectiveness against various microbial strains, the results demonstrated that the extracts from A. tinctoria root, S. pallidum, V. bithynicum leaves, and R. canina fruit had strong antibacterial activity. Additionally, the extracts demonstrated significant antioxidant capability, underscoring their ability to counteract oxidative stress and free radicals. The study examined the potential use of A. tinctoria root juice in the production of nanoparticles. The bioactive chemicals in the plant extract demonstrated characteristics that made it possible to use them as a stabilizing and reducing agent during the synthesis of nanoparticles, therefore supporting manufacturing procedures that are ecologically friendly. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-V is spectroscopy were used to evaluate the nanoparticles in order to ascertain their structural characteristics and to peer into the method of production.