Development and characterization of polyherbal silver nanoparticles from Lepidagathis species for targeted neuroinflammation therapy
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study aimed to synthesize and evaluate polyherbal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using ethanol extracts of Lepidagathis pungens, Lepidagathis brevispica and Lepidagathis cinerea for their potential in mitigating neuroinflammation. Neuroinflammation is a critical factor in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Conventional treatments are often limited by poor blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and undesirable side effects, highlighting the need for alternative therapeutic strategies. Plant-based nanoparticles present a promising approach due to their biocompatibility and the synergistic effects of phytochemicals. In this study, ethanol extracts were obtained via soxhlet extraction and polyherbal AgNPs were synthesized using a green reduction method with silver nitrate. The nanoparticles were characterized using Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). In vitro assays assessed nitric oxide inhibition and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), while in vivo efficacy was evaluated using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation mouse model. The polyherbal AgNPs significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α by 70 %, IL-6 by 65 %), oxidative stress markers (Reactive Oxygen Species by 50 %, Malondialdehyde by 45 %) and neuronal apoptosis (by 50 %). Concurrently, there was a marked increase in antioxidant enzyme activity (Superoxide dismutase by 40 %, catalase by 35 %) and enhanced synaptic density. These findings demonstrate that polyherbal AgNPs exhibit potent anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, offering promise as a therapeutic candidate for neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative conditions. Future studies should focus on elucidating underlying molecular mechanisms through techniques such as Western blotting or Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR), evaluating long-term safety and progressing toward clinical application.
Source: Plant Science Today
DOI: 10.14719/pst.8323
Authors: R Jothilakshmi, R Srinivasan
Institution: Bharath University
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4412092256