@article {2555, title = {Characterization of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles from Clerodendrum thomsoniae Balf.f., and Their Antioxidant and Anti inflammatory Potential}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {December 2025}, pages = {676-682}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {676}, abstract = {

Introduction: Medicinal plant extracts and other natural products have continued to find useful applications in nanomedicines due to their interesting biological properties. Clerodendrum thomsoniae (CT) is a plant used in traditional medicine to treat stress- and inflammation-related diseases, including jaundice, diabetes, and cancer. Objectives: This study, therefore, evaluated CT extract-based silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. Materials and Methods: The nanoparticles were prepared using green synthesis methods. They were characterized using UVVis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Antioxidant study was based on NO, H2O2, superoxide, and hydroxyl radical scavenging spectrophotometric methods. The in vitro anti-inflammatory test was based on a protein (egg albumin) denaturation assay. Results: Results showed CT-Ag NPs ranged from spherical to cubic shapes. The UV absorption peak at 427 nm suggests CT-Ag NP formation. The presence of elemental Ag (96.04 \%) by EDX analysis suggests the conversion of metallic silver into elemental silver. The crystallinity of the nanoparticles was shown on the X-ray diffractogram as a sharp peak at 38.12{\textdegree} [reflection index (111)] with an average particle size of 47 nm. CT-Ag NPs showed dose-dependent hydroxyl and nitric oxide radical scavenging activities with 67.63 {\textpm} 0.78 \% and 58.48 {\textpm} 1.20 \%, respectively, at 200 μg/mL. It showed a notable anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting protein denaturation with an IC50 of 53.58 {\textpm} 17.78 μg/mL. Conclusions: It can be deduced from this study that CT-Ag NPs show promise as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents.

}, keywords = {Clerodendrum thomsoniae; silver nanoparticles; antioxidant; anti-inflammatory}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2025.17.84}, author = {Pallab Kar and Ayodeji O. Oriola and Adebola O. Oyedeji} } @article {2487, title = {Myricitrin-Mediated Biogenic Silver Nanoparticle Synthesis, Characterization, and its Antioxidant, Anticancer, and DNA Cleavage Activities}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {April 2025}, pages = {121-128}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {121}, abstract = {

Introduction: Myricitrin (MY) is a potent antioxidant flavonoid that has recently gained research interest due to its wide applications in food, cosmetics, and medicine. Objective: The current work reports MY, its isolation and characterization from Eugenia uniflora leaves, and green synthesis with AgNO3 to afford myricitrin-based silver nanoparticles (MY-Ag NPs). Materials and Methods: The biosynthesized nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized using UV, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and Dynamic light scattering (DLS) methods. Antioxidant, anti-cancer, and DNA cleavage activities were based on standard in vitro bioassay methods. Results: The UV-vis absorption peak at 430 nm suggests the formation of silver-based NPs. The FESEM imaging showed spherical-to-cubical shaped MY-Ag NPs with an average size of 45.35 nm. The EDX analysis showed the presence of elemental Ag (89.40\%) and N (10.22\%), suggesting a successful synthesis. The XRD analysis revealed various peaks at 38.37$^{0}$, 43.56$^{0}$, 63.76$^{0}$, and 77.77$^{0}$, which suggest metallic silver reflections, further establishing the crystallinity of NPs. The MY-Ag NPs inhibited O2 -, OH-, H2O2, and NO free radicals in a dose-dependent manner. At 50 and 80 μg/mL, it demonstrated a better inhibitory effect on OH- radical than L-ascorbic acid. The cytotoxicity (IC50) against human cancer cell lines of the kidney (ACHN) and the liver (HepG2) were 54.21 {\textpm} 0.06 μg/mL and 33.36 {\textpm} 2.25 μg/mL respectively at 48 h post-treatment. Lastly, at 20 mg/mL for 120 minutes, MY-Ag NPs cleaved DNA, acting as chemical nucleases. This may suggest its capacity to impede cancer cells by cleaving the genome. Conclusion: Therefore, this study has shown that Myricitrinbased Ag NPs possess notable antioxidant and cytotoxicity that can be further exploited in the search for newer anticancer agents.

}, keywords = {Anticancer, Antioxidant, DNA cleavage, Myricitrin, Silver nanoparticles}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2025.17.17}, author = {Pallab Kar and Ayodeji O. Oriola and Moganavelli Singh and Adebola O. Oyedeji} } @article {2533, title = {Natural Flavonoid Glycoside-Based Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Compound Isolation, Nanoparticle Green Synthesis, Characterization, and in vitro Antioxidant, Anti-hyperglycaemic and Anti-inflammatory Effects}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {September 2025}, pages = {531-541}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {531}, abstract = {

Introduction: Recent advances in effective and efficient drug delivery have favoured the biological applications of phytochemical-based metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs). Objective: This study, therefore, utilized a flavonoid glycoside, Myricitrin (MY), isolated from Eugenia uniflora as a biogenic substance for the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and evaluated the antioxidant, anti-hyperglycaemic, and anti-inflammatory potentials. Materials and Methods: Flavonoid glycoside was isolated from the leaf of E. uniflora following standard phytochemical techniques for extraction, solvent-partitioning, column chromatography, and thin-layer chromatography. The phytocompound was characterized by NMR and HRESI-MS methods. Zinc oxide NPs were green synthesized using the isolated flavonoid glycoside. The biogenic ZnONPs were characterized using UV-Vis, FESEM, EDX, and XRD techniques. The biological potential of the MY-ZnONPs was based on in vitro analysis. Nitric oxide (NO), H2O2, OH, and O2 - antioxidant methods were used. The anti-hyperglycaemic effect was based on α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition, while the egg albumin denaturation (EAD) method was used to determine the antiinflammatory effect. Results: Flavonoid glycoside was isolated and characterized as myricitrin from E. uniflora. The MY-ZnONPs were green synthesized as a greyish powder. The UV-Vis absorption peaks at 387 and 415 nm match the characteristic peaks for ZnONPs. The FESEM revealed petal-, irregular-, and spindle-shaped NPs of 30-80 nm size, which tend to agglomerate in clusters and bundles. The EDX analysis showed the elemental weight percentage of Zn and O to be 79.83\% and 18.51\%, respectively, indicating the successful formation of ZnO nanoparticles. The X-ray diffractogram showed the crystallinity of the NPs at 29.23$^{0}$, 36.25$^{0}$, 51.50$^{0}$, 63.67$^{0}$, 72.06$^{0}$, and 78.90$^{0}$. At 100 μg/mL, the NPs demonstrated a comparable 68\% inhibition of O2 - to Quercetin, the standard antioxidant. They inhibited EAD in a dose-de pendent manner, having >=75\% inhibition at 200 μg/mL. Finally, they exhibited notable anti-hyperglycaemic properties against α-amylase and α-glucosidase with IC50 of 89.24{\textpm}0.63 and 105.95{\textpm}0.05 μg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: This study has shown MY-ZnONPs as a flavonoid glycoside-based metal oxide nanoparticle with notable antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities.

}, keywords = {Anti-inflammation, antihyperglycaemia, Antioxidant, Green synthesis, natural flavonoid glycosides, ZnO Nanoparticles}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2025.17.66}, author = {Pallab Kar and Ayodeji O. Oriola and Adebola O. Oyedeji} } @article {2501, title = {Synthesis and Characterization of Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles using Medicinally important Nigella sativa L. (black Cumin) and their Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and DNA Cleavage Potentials}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {June 2025}, pages = {282-288}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {282}, abstract = {

Introduction: The application of nanotechnology in herbal medicine offers promising prospects for drug delivery by enabling targeted, controlled, and efficient delivery of medicinal ingredients, potentially minimizing side effects and improving treatment outcomes. Nigella sativa L. (black Cumin) seed infusions are useful in Asian and African ethnomedicines in remedying stress and inflammatory-related ailments. Objective: On this premise, black Cumin-based silver nanoparticles (BC-Ag NP) were developed and evaluated for their biological potential. Materials and Methods: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were green synthesized using the seed aqueous extract of black cumin (BC). The BC-AgNPs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), highresolution transmission electron microscopy analysis (HRTEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The biological potential of the NPs was based on NO, H2O2, {\textbullet}OH, and O2 {\textbullet}{\textendash} radical scavenging antioxidant, egg albumin denaturation (anti-inflammatory), and DNA cleavage assay methods. Results: The SEM and FESEM revealed spherical-to-cubical-shaped ultrafine BC-Ag NPs with a size of less than 100 nm. The HR-TEM micrograph confirmed each NP to be spherical in shape and within the 10-50 nm range. The X-ray diffractogram showed the crystallinity of the NPs with a sharp peak at 38.12{\textdegree} [reflection index (111)] at an average size of 47 nm. The transformation of metallic silver into elemental silver was validated by EDX analysis, with 97.58\% elemental Ag at ~3 keV acute curve. The BC-Ag NPs showed dose-dependent antioxidant activity, with IC50 of 87.56 {\textpm} 1.54 and 110.5 {\textpm} 2.27 μg/mL against H2O2 and O2 ._ free radicals, respectively. The anti-inflammatory activity of the NPs was one-third the potency of Diclofenac sodium (standard drug) at IC50 of 103.44 {\textpm} 5.35 μg/mL. Finally, the BC-Ag NPs acted as chemical nucleases to cleave DNA at a 20 mg/mL concentration for 120 minutes. Conclusion: This study has shown that AgNPs biosynthesized with black Cumin seed extract possess notable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and DNA cleavage properties and, thus, may be a useful nanomaterial for efficient pharmaceutical delivery.

}, keywords = {Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, DNA cleavage, Nigella sativa, Silver nanoparticles}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2025.17.35}, author = {Ayodeji O. Oriola and Pallab Kar and Adebola O. Oyedeji} } @article {2529, title = {Synthesis and Characterization of Biogenic Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Eugenia uniflora Extract and its Anticancer Potential}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {August 2025}, pages = {506-510}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {506}, abstract = {

Introduction: Green synthesized nanoparticles have continued to be an important bioresource, exhibiting targeted delivery to diseases{\textquoteright} active sites with considerable eco-friendliness and effectiveness. Objective: In this study, the medicinally useful Eugenia uniflora L. through green synthesis with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs), was potentiated for its anticancer activity. Materials and Methods: The leaf aqueous extract of E. uniflora (EU) was biosynthesized with zinc acetate dihydrate precursor to develop EU-ZnONPs. Characterization was based on field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The anticancer potential of EU-ZnONPs was based on MTT-based cytotoxicity (CC50) against human cancerous (HepG2 and ACHN) cell lines. Results: The FESEM revealed spherical-to-cubical shaped EU-ZnONPs with 40 and 80 nm average size ranges. Further microscopic evaluation by HRTEM showed that the bulk of the nanoparticles (NPs) are spherical, ranging from 5{\textendash}30 nm in size. The UV-Vis absorption peak at 387 nm agreed with the characteristic 300-400 nm peak range of biogenic ZnONPs. The presence of Zn and O at elemental weight percentages of 73.55 and 23.05\% confirmed the successful green synthesis of the Eu-ZnONPs. At 48 h post-treatment, the cytotoxicity against HepG2 and ACHN cancer cell lines was concentration-dependent, with CC50 values of 54.21 {\textpm} 0.06 μg/mL and 33.36 {\textpm} 2.25 μg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: This study has shown that EUZnONPs possess notable cytotoxicity against HepG2 and ACHN cancer cells, thus suggesting E. uniflora extract-based ZnONPs as a promising anticancer bioresource.

}, keywords = {Anticancer, Eugenia uniflora, Green synthesis, ZnO Nanoparticles}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2025.17.63}, author = {Pallab Kar and Ayodeji O. Oriola and Adebola O. Oyedeji} } @article {2520, title = {Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Green Synthesis Using Black Cumin Seed Aqueous Extract: Its Characterization and in vitro Anti- Hyperglycaemic Properties}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {August 2025}, pages = {434-437}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {434}, abstract = {

Introduction: α-Amylase and α-glucosidase are carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes that are known to be involved in postprandial hyperglycaemia in diabetic patients. Objective: In a bid to source potent inhibitors of these enzymes, the study synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles and evaluated the in vitro anti-hyperglycaemic activity. Materials and Methods: The seed aqueous extract of black Cumin (BC) was used as a capping and/or reducing agent to synthesize ZnO NPs from zinc acetate precursor. The BC-ZnONPs were characterized by microscopy (FESEM and HRTEM) and spectroscopy (UV-Vis and EDX) methods. In vitro anti-hyperglycaemic evaluation was based on α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays. Results: The BC-ZnONPs showed a spherical-to-cubical shape with a 10-50 nm size range. The UV-Vis absorption peaks at 387 and 415 nm suggest the formation of biogenic ZnO NPs. The EDX spectrum revealed 68.92\% and 27.49\% weight compositions of Zn and O, respectively, to further substantiate ZnO nanoparticle synthesis. The BC-ZnONPs showed notable anti-hyperglycaemic properties with IC50 of 87.72{\textpm}5.13 and 124.21{\textpm}15.20 μg/mL against α-amylase and α-glucosidase, respectively. Conclusion: Black Cumin seed extract was a useful biogenic material for synthesizing ZnO NPs. The BCZnONPs showed promising anti-hyperglycaemic properties based on the notable inhibitory activities against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. Future work may include evaluating the synergistic effects of black Cumin metabolites and ZnONPs, as well as determining the in vivo toxicity profile for safety considerations.

}, keywords = {Anti-Hyperglycaemia, Black cumin, ZnO Nanoparticles, α-amylase, α-glucosidase}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2025.17.54}, author = {Ayodeji Oluwabunmi Oriola and Pallab Kar} }