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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 12 No. 3 (2025)

Development and characterization of polyherbal silver nanoparticles from Lepidagathis species for targeted neuroinflammation therapy

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.8323
Submitted
17 March 2025
Published
07-07-2025 — Updated on 14-07-2025
Versions

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.

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