Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Indian hawthorn (rhaphiolepis indica) and the investigation of their antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic effects

Abstract

The global health concern pertaining the rapid spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has led to a rise in mortality rate caused by infectious diseases that have become difficult to treat due to the misuse and lack of novel antibiotics. Nanotechnology is one innovative approach that has the potential to eradicate the burden of AMR with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) well known for their antibacterial properties. Currently, AgNPs can be synthesised using a greener approach which makes use of the phytoconstituents in plants providing more advantages over the conventional chemical synthesis methods (i.e rapid, cost-effective, safer for the environment and sustainable) also enhancing the antioxidant properties of AgNPs for the treatment of degenerative diseases caused by oxidative stress. Indian Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica) berries have been used to treat cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure and heart failure and are known to have high content of polyphenols which are involved in bioreduction of metal-based NPs (MNPs) with enhanced bio-activities