Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Ageratum conyzoides Leaf Extract Exhibit Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Properties

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesis has attracted a growing attention with an increasing focus on the production of nanoparticles of biomedical importance through ecofriendly means. This study assessed the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and α-glucosidase inhibitory potentials of AgNPs synthesized using Ageratum conyzoides aqueous leaf extract in vitro. The extract’s phytoconstituents were determined by GC-MS analysis. AgNPs was synthesized by mixing AgNO3 solution with the aqueous leaf extract of A. conyzoides. AgNPs formation was monitored by UV-Visible spectrophotometry. The obtained AgNPs was further characterized using SEM and FT-IR analysis. Antioxidant potential was evaluated via ferric reducing power, hydrogen peroxide, and ABTS scavenging assays. Anti-inflammatory capacity of the synthesized AgNPs was assessed through inhibition of trypsin activity and albumin denaturation. Furthermore, anti-diabetic potential was evaluated by α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of the AgNPs, all in comparison with controls and standards. GC-MS analysis reveals Oleic acid (25.90%), Oxalic acid, allyl hexadecyl ester (25.49%) and Dodecanoic acid (13.36%) as the main phytoconstituents in A. conyzoides extract. The UV-Visible analysis detected the absorption peak of AgNPs at 420 nm. SEM reveals various morphological forms of the AgNPs i.e. spherical and triangular. The average particle size is 27.85 nm. FTIR analysis showed that the plant phytoconstituents capped and stabilized the synthesized AgNPs. The AgNPs showed substantial ferric reducing power in addition to hydrogen peroxide, DPPH, and ABTS radicals scavenging activities while also inhibiting albumin denaturation, trypsin, and α-glucosidase activities. These findings revealed the suitability of Ageratum conyzoides for AgNPs synthesis and also demonstrated the potentials of the synthesized AgNPs as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic agent.