Green biosynthesis and comprehensive bio-evaluation of silver nanoparticles derived from Salacia reticulata extracts

Salacia reticulata, belonging to the family Hippocrateaceae, is considered significant in its pharmacological/therapeutic properties. Addressing the urgent need for sustainable environmental remediation and clean energy solutions, an attempt was made to prepare silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and determine their activity. This study introduces an eco-friendly synthesis of AgNPs using Salacia reticulata roots extract as a natural reducing agent, highlighting their promising role in enhancing anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory activity. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and ultraviolet spectroscopy. Standard techniques were used to systematically assess the phytochemical contents from total phenolic and flavonoid concentrations and functional group analysis. UV spectroscopy study confirmed the formation of AgNPs. FTIR analysis validated significant bioactive functional groups and the higher phytochemical presence results which were corroborated using UV spectroscopy. Based on the comparison between the methanolic and aqueous root extract of S. reticulata from its leaves and roots, the aqueous root extract showed better results based on diverse experimental conditions, especially from its phenolic and flavonoid content. Confirmation of its highly abundant key flavonoids were found by HPLC analysis data, as its potential role as an antioxidant and therapeutic agent. These findings provide detailed information on its effectiveness from the aqueous extraction of S. reticulata root, providing its possible uses in pharmaceutical product development, phytochemical therapy, as well as its antibacterial & anti-inflammatory activities. Hence, silver nitrate nanoparticle synthesized from a biological source could play a vital role in the treatment of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory disorders.