Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Medicinal Plants: A Review of Antimicrobial Potentials Against MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) represents a major global health challenge due to its resistance to β-lactam antibiotics mediated primarily by the mecA gene encoding penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a). The increasing prevalence of MRSA in hospital, community, and livestock settings necessitates alternative antimicrobial strategies. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as promising antimicrobial agents owing to their broad-spectrum activity and multi-targeted mechanisms. However, conventional synthesis methods involve toxic chemicals and high energy consumption. Green synthesis using medicinal plant extracts offers an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and biocompatible alternative. This review critically summarizes recent studies on plant-mediated synthesis of AgNPs and evaluates their antimicrobial efficacy against MRSA. Medicinal plants such as Thymus vulgaris, Berberis vulgaris, Foeniculum vulgare, Ananas comosus, Phyllanthus niruri, and Phoenix dactylifera are discussed with respect to nanoparticle characteristics, mechanisms of action, and anti-MRSA potential. Overall, green-synthesized AgNPs demonstrate strong antibacterial and antibiofilm activity with reduced cytotoxicity, highlighting their potential for future clinical and biomedical applications.