Phytoconstituents of a traditional herb, Verbascum sinaiticum Benth mediated zinc-ferric bimetallic nanoparticle synthesis and bioactive properties for sustainable application

Abstract

Verbascum sinaiticum Benth, a traditional medicinal plant renowned for its therapeutic properties, was investigated for its phytochemical composition and bioactivity. Aqueous, hexane, and ethanol extracts were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed for phytochemicals. The hexane extract exhibited tannins, phenolics, and coumarin, while the ethanol extract displayed phenolics, quinones, coumarin, and saponins. Bimetallic nanoarticles were synthesized by ultrasonication method assisted by the plant extracts and characterized by FTIR spectroscopy,X-Ray diffraction methods and SEM analysis.Characterization studies revealed nanoparticle sizes ranging between 63.54 nm and 91.36 nm, while Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry identified bioactive compounds including 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid and hexadecenoic acid. The ethanol and aqueous extracts of V. sinaiticum exhibited a significant range of antibacterial activity against tested gram-positive bacterium (Bacillus subtilis) and both gram-negative bacteria and against Streptococcus mutans and both the gram-negative bacteria respectively. The hexane extract of V. sinaiticum exhibited less activity against Bacillus subtilis (5–11 mm) and Escherichia coli (8–12 mm) and has exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans (16–23 mm) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15–22 mm). The hexane extract of exhibited a significant range of antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger, with an average zone of inhibition ranging from 7 mm to 18 mm in diameter.The ethanol extract showed a narrow range of antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger. The aqueous extract exhibited potent antioxidant activity with an EC50 value of 42.3 µg/mL. This comprehensive methodology sheds light on the medicinal potential of Verbascum sinaiticum Benth extract mediated bimetallic nanoparticles and provides insights for further research and applications.