Green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using Ficus palmata: Antioxidant, antibacterial and antidiabetic studies

Abstract

Nanotechnology have paved the way for novel and more efficient methods for the treatment of various diseases like cancer and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this study, the leaf extract of Ficus palmata was used as stabilizing and reducing agent for the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using zinc acetate solution. The prepared FP ZnO NPs were identified and characterized using UV–vis spectroscopy, Dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Energy-dispersive spectrum (EDS). The green synthesized ZnO NPs by Ficus palmata (FP ZnONPs) were evaluated for their antioxidant, antimicrobial activity, and cytotoxicity against the human FR2 cell line. They exhibited antioxidant activity and good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumoniae. Further, green synthesized FP ZnO NPs were also evaluated for in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic activity. The results showed that nanoparticles exhibit better antidiabetic activity as compared to the plant extracts. The percentage of inhibition for amylase and glucosidase was higher in FP ZnONPs. It was found to be 70.07 ± 0.07 µg/ml in amylase and 68.49 ± 0.43 µg/ml in the glucosidase inhibition assay. It also showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in blood glucose level as compared to a diabetic control group from 21st to till 42nd day. It improves the lipid profile by decreasing the levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and increasing the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level. Overall, the results highlight the effectiveness and potential applications of FP ZnO NPs for therapeutic purposes.