GREEN-SYNTHESIZED SILVER NANOPARTICLES FROM MOMORDICA CHARANTIA AND THEIR ANTIOXIDANT AND CYTOTOXIC PROFILES
Silver nanoparticles, Momordica charantia, Green synthesis, Antioxidant activity, Cytotoxicity.
Nanotechnology has emerged as a strategic tool in pharmaceutical sciences due to its potential to enhance drug delivery, improve bioavailability, and expand therapeutic applications. Green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles using plant extracts represents a sustainable, low-toxicity, and cost-effective alternative to conventional chemical methods. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were biosynthesized using the aqueous extract of Momordica charantia, a medicinal plant rich in phenolic compounds and traditionally used for its antioxidant and pharmacological properties. Nanoparticle synthesis was confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, which revealed a surface plasmon resonance peak at 495 nm. Characterization by AFM, SEM, and DLS showed nanostructures ranging from 24 to 34 nm, demonstrating effective reduction of Ag⁺ ions and formation of stable nanoparticles. Antioxidant assays, including copper and iron chelation, DPPH scavenging, TAC, and hydroxyl radical inhibition, demonstrated a concentration-dependent activity, with DPPH scavenging reaching 96.56% and metal chelation exceeding 80% at higher concentrations. Cytotoxicity evaluation using the MTT assay in 3T3 fibroblast cells indicated no toxic effects, with cell viability remaining above 100% at the highest tested concentration. These findings suggest that biosynthesized AgNPs from M. charantia possess strong antioxidant capacity and high biocompatibility, supporting their potential application in pharmaceutical and biomedical formulations.