@article {1484, title = {Green Synthesis and Characterization of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Using Vitex negundo Linn-An in vitro study}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {August 2025}, pages = {1235-1240}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {1235}, abstract = {

Background: Nanotechnology offers innovative approaches for biomedical applications, including antimicrobial agent development. Copper Oxide Nanoparticles (CuO NPs) exhibit strong antibacterial properties, but conventional synthesis methods rely on toxic chemicals and high energy consumption, raising environmental concerns. This study explores the green synthesis of CuO NPs using Vitex negundo Linn., a medicinal plant, as an eco-friendly alternative. Objectives: To synthesize and characterize CuO NPs using Vitex negundo Linn. leaf extract and evaluate their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Materials and Methods: Vitex negundo leaf extract was used as a reducing and stabilizing agent for CuO NP synthesis. The nanoparticles were characterized using UV-visible Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Antibacterial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method against E. coli and S. aureus. Results: The synthesis of CuO NPs was confirmed by a UV-vis absorption peak at 277 nm. FTIR analysis indicated functional groups responsible for stabilization, and SEM imaging revealed spherical nanoparticles ranging from 50-100 nm. Antibacterial testing demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition, with the largest zones of inhibition observed at 100 μL CuO NP concentration. Conclusion: Green synthesis of CuO NPs using Vitex negundo Linn is a sustainable and effective alternative to conventional methods. The nanoparticles exhibited significant antibacterial activity, highlighting their potential for biomedical applications. Further research should explore scalability, mechanisms of action, and in vivo efficacy.

}, keywords = {Antibacterial activity, Copper oxide nanoparticles, Green synthesis, Nanotechnology, Sustainable Synthesis, Vitex negundo Linn}, doi = {10.5530/pres.20252186}, author = {Pravallika Kakada and Abilasha R and Pratibha Ramani} } @article {1441, title = {Green Synthesis and in vitro Insights of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Nutmeg and Flaxseed Extracts}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {June 2025}, pages = {816-822}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {816}, abstract = {

Background: Among various nanomaterials, Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have gained significant attention due to their unique properties. Traditional methods for synthesizing ZnO NPs often involve hazardous chemicals and energy-intensive processes, raising environmental and health concerns. In response to these issues, green synthesis methods have been developed as an eco-friendly alternative. Nutmeg and flaxseed are 2 plant sources known for their rich phytochemical content. This study aims to assess the cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ZnO NPs synthesized with nutmeg and flaxseed. Materials and Methods: 5 mg of nutmeg and flaxseed powder were dissolved in 0.1 L of distilled water. This mixture was boiled at 60{\textordmasculine}C for 10 min and then filtered. 0.1 g of ZnO was added to 100 mL of filtered extract. After centrifugation, the concentrated nutmeg and flaxseed extract-mediated ZnO NPs were reduced to 100 mL. Various extract concentrations (25 μL, 50 μL and 100 μL) were then subjected to cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant assays. Results: Nauplii lethality was assessed over 2 days. At 25 μL, no mortality was observed on either day. However, on day 2, mortality increased by 10\% at both 50 μL and 100 μL extract concentrations. The antimicrobial action of nutmeg and flaxseed extract-mediated ZnO NPs against S. aureus, S. mutans and E. faecalis increased with concentrations from 25 μL to 100 μL. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the NPs also increased with higher concentrations, from 25 μL to 100 μL. Conclusion: The synthesized nutmeg and flaxseed extract-mediated ZnO NPs exhibited significant bioactivity, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and were non-cytotoxic.

}, keywords = {Green synthesis, Nanoparticles, Nanotechnology, Phytotherapy, Plant extracts}, doi = {10.5530/pres.20252068}, author = {Mohamed Thaha and Johnisha Harris John Manohar and Arvina Rajasekar} } @article {1445, title = {Thymoquinone-Loaded Zinc Nanoparticles Mitigate Inflammation and Inhibit Glioblastoma Progression: A Novel Therapeutic Approach}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {June 2025}, pages = {850-858}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {850}, abstract = {

Background: Glioblastoma is the most aggressive and lethal primary brain tumour, characterized by rapid proliferation, high invasiveness, and resistance to conventional therapies. Chronic inflammation plays a crucial role in its progression, with pro-inflammatory cytokines contributing to tumour growth and therapy resistance. Nanotechnology based approaches, such as Thymoquinone derived Zinc Nanoparticles (TQ-ZnNPs) offer a promising strategy to enhance drug bioavailability and target inflammation driven glioblastoma more effectively. Objectives: Thymoquinone, a naturally occurring substance with anti-inflammatory and anticancer qualities, has drawbacks such as low bioavailability and solubility. To overcome these, TQ-ZnNPs were synthesized using nanotechnology. Materials and Methods: TQ-ZnNPs were synthesized using a green nanotechnology approach and characterized for their physicochemical properties through techniques like, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy examination to verify their optical and structural characteristics. Glioblastoma cells were treated with Lipopolysaccharide to induce inflammation, followed by exposure to TQ-ZnNPs to assess their anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. RT-PCR method was used to assess gene expression. Results: TQ-ZnNPs exhibited enhanced stability and bioavailability, significantly reducing oxidative stress and suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in glioblastoma cells. They effectively inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis, suggesting potent anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of TQ-ZnNPs in targeting inflammation driven glioblastoma. Conclusion: TQ-ZnNPs demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer potential, making them a promising nanotherapeutic approach for combating inflammation driven glioblastoma.

}, keywords = {Anti-inflammatory, Glioblastoma, Inflammation, lipopolysaccharide, Nanotechnology, Thymoquinone, Zinc nanoparticles}, doi = {10.5530/pres.20252143}, author = {Sofia Sebastian and Taniya Mary Martin and Meenakshi Sundaram Kishore Kumar} }