Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
Unlocking the therapeutic potential of Trans-Himalayan medicinal plant-derived silver nanoparticles for antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic studies
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Research Article | Published: 18 September, 2025
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Keywords: n L. ruthenicumn , Silver nanoparticles, Green synthesis, Antibacterial agent, Cytotoxicity
Abstract
This study reports the biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous extracts of Lycium ruthenicum Murray, a high-altitude medicinal plant known for its therapeutic potential. The synthesis process involved optimizing key parameters-including concentrations of AgNO₃ and plant extract, reaction time, and temperature-using stem, leaf, and berry extracts. Formation of AgNPs was confirmed by surface plasmon resonance peaks at 420 nm, 430 nm, and 460 nm for stem (L.R.S.E), berry (L.R.B.E), and leaf (L.R.L.E) extracts, respectively. Among the three, L.R.S.E yielded the most stable and uniform nanoparticles with an average size of 20 nm and a zeta potential of − 27.23 mV, indicating strong colloidal stability. The AgNPs were spherical and crystalline, as verified by SEM, and TEM analyses. Phytochemical screening showed substantial reductions in total phenolic content and total flavonoid content in the AgNPs compared to their respective extracts, implicating these compounds in nanoparticle formation and stabilization. Antioxidant assays (DPPH and FRAP) revealed that crude extracts had stronger radical scavenging activity than the AgNPs. The biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli, outperforming ciprofloxacin against P. aeruginosa. Additionally, cytotoxicity testing showed that L.R.S.E-mediated AgNPs selectively targeted MCF-7 breast cancer cells (IC₅₀ = 26.30 µg/mL) without affecting normal L-929 fibroblast cells.This is the first report on the use of L. ruthenicum for the green synthesis of AgNPs with demonstrated antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer potential, highlighting its promise as a plant-based nanomedicine.
Graphical abstract
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Author Information
Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR-DRDO), Ladakh (U.T), Leh-Ladakh, India