Biosynthesis of Nd₂O₃, or Neodymium(III) Oxide Nanoparticles with Clerodendrum phlomidis and their antidiabetes and anti-cancer activity: An invitro study

Background: Green nanotechnology involves the utilization of phytochemicals as natural reducing and stabilizing agents that offer an alternative to the traditional synthesis of nanoparticles, which can be considered sustainable. Clerodendrum phlomidis leaf extract is abundant in flavonoids, phenolics, and tannins was used to biosynthesis neodymium oxide (Nd2O3) nanoparticles in this work. Materials and methods: The synthesized Nd2O3 nanoparticles were characterized by UV -Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) confirmed the functional groups, crystal structure, and aggregated nano-granular morphology. The antioxidant activity properties were evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazl (DPPH) and nitric oxide (NO) assays. The anti-proliferative effect of Nd₂O₃ nanoparticles synthesized using C. phlomidis on A549 cells was quantified by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Results: FT-IR showed significant O-H, C=O, C-N, and N-O bands, which are the indicators of phytochemical capping, the examination of the UV-Vis showed that there was a large absorption peak at 425 nm. XRD patterns confirmed the formation of cubic-phase Nd2O3 that was crystalline. SEM images showed agglomerated porous structures consisting of small nanoparticles. Nd₂O₃ nanoparticles exhibited significant activity in DPPH assay and NO assay exhibited radical scavenging at 86.71% and 89.56% at higher concentration (100 µg/mL) respectively. The α-amylase and α glucosidase demonstrated 80.54% and 80.52% at higher concentration of 320 µg/mL. At 200 µg/mL, MTT assay revealed a 33% reduction in A549 cell viability. Conclusion: Nd2O3 nanoparticles synthesized using C. phlomidis demonstrated significant in-vitro antidiabetic, antioxidant properties and cytotoxic activities. It creates environmentally friendly multifunctional nanoparticle-based therapies for the treatment of metabolic and inflammatory diseases.