In the present report, Nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiONPs) were synthesized using Rhamnus virgata (Roxb.) (Family: Rhamnaceae) as a potential stabilizing, reducing and chelating agent. The formation, morphology, structure and other physicochemical properties of resulting NiONPs were characterized by Ultra violet spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared analysis (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersivespectroscopy (EDS), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Detailed in vitro biological activities revealed significant therapeutic potential for NiONPs. The antimicrobial efficacy of biogenic NiONPs was demonstrated against five different gram positive and gram negative bacterial strains. Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC: 125 μg/mL) were found to be the least susceptible and Bacillus subtilis (MIC: 31.25 μg/mL) was found to be the most susceptible strain to NiONPs. Biogenic NiONPs were reported to be highly potent against HepG2 cells (IC 50 : 29.68 μg/ml). Moderate antileishmanial activity against Leishmania tropica (KMH 23 ) promastigotes (IC 50 : 10.62 μg/ml) and amastigotes (IC 50 : 27.58 μg/ml) cultures are reported. The cytotoxic activity was studied using brine shrimps and their IC 50 value was recorded as 43.73 μg/ml. For toxicological assessment, NiONPs were found compatible towards human RBCs (IC 50 : > 200 μg/ml) and macrophages (IC 50 : > 200 μg/ml), deeming particles safe for various applications in nanomedicines. Moderate antioxidant activities: total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (51.43%), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) activity (70.36%) and total reducing power (TRP) (45%) are reported for NiONPs. In addition, protein kinase and alpha amylase inhibition assays were also performed. Our results concluded that Rhamnus virgata synthesized NiONPs could find important biomedical applications with low cytotoxicity to normal cells.

Aim: To investigate the physical and biological properties of Silybum marianum inspired ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), Ag–ZnO heterostructures. Experiment: Nanoparticles were characterized using ultraviolet–visible and infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, high resolution electron microscopy, ζ potential and thermo-gravimetric analysis etc. Results: Ag–ZnO–NPs indicated slightly higher antimicrobial potential then ZnO–NPs. Good antileishmanial (IC50 = 246 μg/ml for Ag–ZnO; 341 μg/ml for ZnO) and antioxidant potential while moderate enzyme inhibition is reported. 2, 2-Diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging of Ag–ZnO was higher relative to ZnO–NPs. Nanocosmaceutical formulation of nanoparticles indicated stable antimicrobial performance. Conclusion: Biosynthesized nanoparticles indicated interesting biological properties and should be subjected to further research to establish their pharmacological relevance.

In the present study, green silver nanoparticles (Ag 2 ONPs) were prepared from aqueous and ethanolic leaves extract of Rhamnus virgata in a facile, green, cost-effective, and eco-friendly way. The color changes from light brown to brownish black determined the synthesis of Ag 2 ONPs (Aq) and Ag 2 ONPs (Et). The phytofabrication of Ag 2 ONPs was confirmed using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques: energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fouriertransform infrared, X-ray powder diffraction, Raman, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Detailed in vitro biological activities determined significant biopotentials for Ag 2 ONPs. The Ag 2 ONPs (Aq) and Ag 2 ONPs (Et) were investigated for anticancer potential against HUH-7 (IC 50 : 9.075 μg/ml for Ag 2 O (Aq) and 25.66 μg/ml for Ag 2 O (Et)) and HepG2 (IC 50 : 25.18 μg/ml for Ag 2 O (Aq) and IC 50 : 27.74 μg/ml for Ag 2 O (Aq)) cell lines. Concentration-dependent cytotoxicity was performed against brineshrimps (IC 50 : 36.04 μg/ml for Ag 2 O (Aq) and 28.82 μg/ml for Ag 2 O (Et)) and Leishmanial parasite (amastigotes and promastigotes). Disc-diffusion method revealed significant antimicrobial activities. In addition, significant enzyme inhibitory activity and antiradical potentials were studied. The hemocompatible nature of Ag 2 ONPs (Aq) and Ag 2 ONPs (Et) was revealed using biocompatibility tests. In conclusion, the green Ag 2 ONPs (Aq) and Ag 2 ONPs (Et) are nontoxic and biocompatible and has shown significant biological activities. We further encourage in vivo studies to ensure biosafety and biocompatibility, so that they can be effectively utilized in nano-pharmaceutical industries.

Eclipta alba L., also known as false daisy, is well known and commercially attractive plant with excellent hepatotoxic and antidiabetic activities. Light is considered a key modulator in plant morphogenesis and survival by regulating important physiological cascades. Current study was carried out to investigate growth and developmental aspects of E. alba under differential effect of multispectral lights. In vitro derived callus culture of E. alba was exposed to multispectral monochromatic lights under controlled aseptic conditions. Maximum dry weight was recorded in culture grown under red light (11.2 g/L) whereas negative effect was observed under exposure of yellow light on callus growth (4.87 g/L). Furthermore, red light significantly enhanced phenolics and flavonoids content (TPC: 57.8 mg/g, TFC: 11.1 mg/g) in callus cultures compared to rest of lights. HPLC analysis further confirmed highest accumulation of four major compounds i.e. coumarin (1.26 mg/g), eclalbatin (5.00 mg/g), wedelolactone (32.54 mg/g) and demethylwedelolactone (23.67 mg/g) and two minor compounds (β-amyrin: 0.38 mg/g, luteolin: 0.39 mg/g) in red light treated culture whereas stigmasterol was found optimum (0.22 mg/g) under blue light. In vitro based biological activities including antioxidant, antidiabetic and lipase inhibitory assays showed optimum values in cultures exposed to red light, suggesting crucial role of these phytochemicals in the enhancement of the therapeutic potential of E. alba. These results clearly revealed that the use of multispectral lights in in vitro cultures could be an effective strategy for enhanced production of phytochemicals.

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