Green synthesis of biocompatible silver nanoparticles from Persicaria hydropiper leaves: Therapeutic and catalytic applications

The study presents a sustainable method for synthesizing biocompatible silver nanoparticles from Persicaria hydropiper leaves (PH-AgNPs) with promising anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, and catalytic potentials. UV–vis analysis confirmed PH-AgNPs formation with a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 455 nm. FTIR spectra revealed the constituents of leaf extract involved in silver ion reduction. Characterization of PH-AgNPs was done using X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray techniques. This characterization confirmed that PH-AgNPs exhibited a crystalline, spherical shape with a strong silver peak. PH-AgNPs showed blood compatibility and a non-toxic nature as compared with Triton-X. PH-AgNPs exhibited moderate anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities compared to diclofenac sodium and ascorbic acid. PH-AgNPs also showed potential as catalysts for the degradation of harmful dyes. In the anticancer experiment, PH-AgNPs treatments significantly (p < 0.05) decreased viable EAC (Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma) cells and lowered weight gain in mice. PH-AgNPs (p < 0.05) restored blood counts and improved liver structure in treated mice versus untreated controls. Proapoptotic genes encoding p53 and Bax proteins were overexpressed in treated EAC cells, confirming the apoptotic hallmarks seen in fluorescence microscope images of these treated cells. PH-AgNPs demonstrated potent antibacterial activity, particularly against Shigella boydii, while erythromycin was the most effective against the same bacterium. PH-AgNPs combined with tetracycline showed the highest synergistic effect (37.26 %) against Escherichia coli. PH-AgNPs showed the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (9.38 mg/mL) against Bacillus cereus. Therefore, the green-fabricated PH-AgNPs hold significant biological and environmental importance, offering potential for therapeutic and environmentally friendly applications.