The production of metal nanoparticles using plant extracts is one of the simplest, most efficient, affordable, and environmentally friendly solutions to prevent the use of harmful chemicals. Of all the nanoparticles, Gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs) have garnered the most interest due to their distinct catalytic properties for degradation of dyes. Concerns concerning the synthesis of these materials, such as the use of hazardous solvents and precursor chemicals, microbial contamination, and the formation of undesirable byproducts, led to the development of the alternative method known as "green synthesis." As a result, several rapid and environmentally friendly ways to make Au NPs utilising aqueous extracts of various plant components, including bark, roots, leaves, and so on, have been described recently. Here, we review recent developments in the ecologically friendly production of Au NPs, their use as antifungal agents, and their mechanism of action. This paper sheds light on the ecologically friendly production of Au NPs, their use in dye removal with their mechanism of action, and their potential in the future.