No abstract

This paper presents an empirical analysis on the use of aqueous extract of Centratherum punctatum Cass (Asteraceae) for the production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from aqueous silver nitrate. Phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of essential components such as flavonoids, alkaloids, carbohydrates, tannins and vitamin C, some of which serve as efficient reducing and capping agents for the reduction of silver nitrate to silver nanoparticles. The AgNPs synthesized were characterized by UV -Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, XPS, SEM, TEM, Zetasizer and TG-DSC analyzer. In the present study, attempts have also been made to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity of the synthesized AgNPs. Anti-oxidant activity was assessed using DPPH method. Anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated through in vitro inhibition of protein denaturation, protease activity and improved membrane stabilization property.