Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Phyllanthus emblica leaf extract: Characterization, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antileishmanial activity against L. donovani

The objective of the study was to examine the antioxidant potential, anti-inflammatory, and anti-leishmanial activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from the extract of Phyllanthus emblica leaves.

UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, FESEM, and Zeta potential were used to examine the green synthesized nanoparticles. A DPPH free radical scavenging assay was used to study the antioxidant activity.  Anti-inflammatory activity was conducted to observe the inhibition of protein denaturation. The MTT assay was used to evaluate the anti-leishmanial activity against Leishmania donovani.

The UV–Vis spectroscopy study at the band of 440 nm confirmed the fabrication of nanoparticles. FTIR confirmed the ingredients in P. emblica leaf extract which is responsible for capping and reducing the AgNPs. FESEM reported the AgNPs synthesized in the size range of 40–50 nm. The results showed a simple and feasible approach for obtaining aqueous monodispersive AgNPs. Furthermore, the biological potential of the biosynthesized AgNPs was examined. Concerning this, the dose-dependent antioxidant potential of AgNPs was identified to be comparable to standard ascorbic acid. This also applies to the anti-inflammatory properties. The study findings indicate that all concentrations of AgNPs exhibit anti-leishmanial action. After being exposed for 72 hours, the concentration of 100 µg/mL of AgNPs exhibited the most potent anti-leishmanial activity, achieving 100% effectiveness. Further, the IC50 content of AgNPs on L. donovani after 24, 48, and 72 hours was calculated to be 45.88, 36.86, and 24.81 µg/mL, respectively.

The results stated that the synthesized AgNPs using P. emblica leaves have the most potent in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-leishmanial activity. Further investigation into its potential biomedical applications is needed.