Background: Among the nanoparticles, selenium nanoparticles (SeNP) are one of the most extensively studied as Selenium has zero oxidation state, non toxic and biologically inert material. This is the reason why Selenium is considered as a major nanoparticulate. In this study SeNPs were extracted from the fruit of Capparis decidua which is a xerophytic small herb. Aim: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the cytotoxic effect and antioxidant capacity of selenium nanoparticles. Materials and Methods: In this study SeNPs were extracted from the fruit of Capparis decidua which is a xerophytic small herb. The cytotoxic effect of SeNPs was evaluated using Brine Shrimp assay and the antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH assay considering ascorbic acid as the standard. Results: From the study of this assay the shrimps introduced  into the well were almost alive in different concentrations and this indicates that there is no cytotoxicity in selenium nanoparticles. The percentage inhibition of Selenium nanoparticles in 10 µl was 15.4 0.1, 20 µl was 38.36 0.15, 30 µl was 45.3 0.1, 40 µl was 59.6 0.15 and 50 µl was 65.6  0.1. It can be inferred that percentage inhibition increases with increase in concentration but it was less when compared to the percentage inhibition of the standard. Conclusion: The selenium nanoparticles extracted from Capparis decidua do not have any cytotoxic effect on shrimps. The SeNPs possessed significant antioxidant activity in increasing concentrations compared to the standard used. Thus SeNPs are biologically useful and can be used as eco-friendly, cost effective and efficient biomedical agents and therapeutics.

Introduction: Antioxidants are efficient in the prevention of human diseases. Mangroves are high bioactive compounds with good holistic bioactivities including insecticides. Avicennia marina, a mangrove plant which has its origin in South Africa included in the family Acanthaceae. Aim: To explore the antioxidant potential of methanolic extract of mangrove plants, Avicennia marina. Materials and Methods: The fresh leaves of Avicennia marina were collected from Pichavaram mangrove forest area. The leaves were washed and then shade dried for 2-3weeks and turned into a fine powder. ​Crude methanolic extract of Avicenna marina was prepared. Total antioxidant activity, DPPH Assay and scavenging activity of hydrogen peroxide were performed and antioxidant potential was assessed using ascorbic acid as standard. Results: The scavenging activity increased with increase in concentration of the extract and thus antioxidant activity was dose dependent. The total antioxidant activity was more close to the ascorbic acid equivalence. Conclusion: This study concludes that the methanolic extract of Avicenna marina is capable of scavenging a wide range  of  free radicals for which it can be exploited for the treatment of various free radical mediated diseases. It is evident that mangrove species as a collective are rich sources of antioxidants, phenolics and antimicrobial compounds.