Biological Properties of Actaea Racemose Using Silver Nanoparticles

Abstract

Using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as a vehicle, this thesis explores the biological characteristics of Actaea racemosa, more commonly known as black cohosh, a medicinal herb with promising therapeutic uses, especially in women\'s health. Inflammation, menstruation abnormalities, and menopausal symptoms are just a few of the many traditional uses for Actaea racemosa. Despite the plant\'s well-documented pharmacological properties, individual applications of its bioactive components often result in subpar bioavailability, stability, and therapeutic effectiveness. In response of these difficulties, this thesis investigates a new green chemistry strategy for improving Actaea racemosa\'s biological activities via the manufacture and use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). A variety of state-of-the-art methods were used to ascertain the size, shape, surface charge, and stability of the silver nanoparticles, which were manufactured utilizing plant extracts. These methods included transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). Biologically relevant AgNPs with well-controlled sizes and a limited distribution were successfully synthesized, according to the findings. In addition, the phytochemical profile of the plant extract was examined using chromatography and spectroscopic techniques to determine which active chemicals were responsible for the therapeutic benefits. The antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cytotoxic effects of the AgNP-functionalized extract and the Actaea racemosa extract were among the many biological characteristics that were evaluated using biological assays. Various harmful bacterial and fungus strains were used to test the antimicrobial activity, and important biomarkers were used to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics in vitro. To ensure a safe and effective treatment profile, cytotoxicity experiments were conducted to assess the possible therapeutic dosage for human cell lines using a combination of AgNPs and Actaea racemosa extract. The findings showed that Actaea racemosa\'s biological activities were improved by synthesizing AgNPs, leading to a significant increase in the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects when compared to only using the plant extract. The combinations enhanced antioxidant capabilities also suggest it may be useful in warding off illnesses caused by oxidative stress. The specific cytotoxicity shown by the AgNPs further supports their use as a cancer treatment adjuvant. The hypothesised role of the nanoparticles as carriers for enhanced absorption and targeted administration is further investigated in the thesis as a means by which AgNPs enhance the bioavailability and activity of the plant\'s bioactive components. The combination therapeutic system of Actaea racemosa and silver nanoparticles is thoroughly examined in this study. The results show how natural products may have their pharmacological qualities improved by the use of nanotechnology, which provides important insights into the area of nanomedicine. This study offers a potential strategy for the improvement of herbal treatments by increasing the bioavailability and effectiveness of Actaea racemosa. This approach could be applied to women\'s health issues and other conditions involving inflammation, infection, and oxidative stress.

Introduction

In recent years, nanotechnology has merged with plant-based medicine, offering new possibilities for drug delivery and disease treatment. One innovative method is the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using plant extracts, which is safer, more sustainable, and cost-effective compared to traditional methods. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also enhances the biological activity of the nanoparticles due to the plant's inherent medicinal properties.

Actaea racemosa (Black Cohosh), a North American herb traditionally used for treating menopausal symptoms, rheumatism, and pain, is rich in triterpene glycosides, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. These bioactive substances make it a strong candidate for synthesizing AgNPs. The plant’s phytochemicals help both reduce silver ions and stabilize the nanoparticles, enhancing their antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

This research explores the biological activity of AgNPs synthesized using Actaea racemosa extract, focusing on their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic effects. By examining the nanoparticles' size, shape, structure, and interaction with biological systems, the study aims to reveal their therapeutic potential.

Literature review findings:

• AgNPs offer unique properties due to their nanoscale size, including high reactivity and surface area, which improves their biological performance.

• Green synthesis using plant extracts avoids toxic chemicals and produces biocompatible nanoparticles.

• When combined with Actaea racemosa, the AgNPs show enhanced antimicrobial activity, strong free radical scavenging ability, and potential anticancer effects by selectively targeting cancer cells.

Applications of these nanoparticles span multiple sectors:

• Medicine: Drug delivery, wound healing, and cancer treatment.

• Pharmaceuticals: Antioxidant and antimicrobial formulations.

• Personal care and cosmetics: Natural preservatives.

• Environmental: Water purification and food safety.

The experimental process involved boiling Actaea racemosa leaves, mixing the extract with silver nitrate (AgNO?), and confirming nanoparticle formation by a color change and UV-Vis spectrometry. Characterization techniques like scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-Vis analysis were used to confirm the spherical shape and size (35–55 nm) of the nanoparticles and their crystalline nature.

Conclusion

Actaea racemosa, or black cohosh, has been the subject of extensive biological property investigations in this study, which made novel use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). There is great promise in combining nanotechnology with naturally occurring substances derived from plants to increase the bioavailability and effectiveness of these plants\' inherent therapeutic qualities. A. racemosa extract was used to successfully synthesize silver nanoparticles, proving that green synthesis techniques may be an alternative to traditional chemical procedures in a sustainable and environmentally benign way. Several biological tests have shown that silver nanoparticles mediated by A. racemosa have strong antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Notable to a somewhat exceptional degree has been the synergistic interaction between the distinctive features of AgNPs and the phytochemicals found in A. racemosa. When these factors interacted, the biological reactions were better than when the plant extract or silver nanoparticles were used alone. The enhanced surface area, enhanced bioavailability, and targeted delivery possibilities offered by the nanoparticle framework are the reasons for this improvement. The research also found that the produced nanoparticles were very effective against some harmful germs and fungi. Because of this, they may be useful as agents in the fight against antibiotic resistance, a growing problem in world health. Moreover, the antioxidant properties of the AgNPs derived from A. racemosa raise the possibility of their use in the treatment of neurological illnesses, cancer, and other conditions linked to oxidative stress. This formulation\'s anti-inflammatory capabilities provide further evidence of its therapeutic significance and suggest it may be useful in the management of chronic inflammatory illnesses. The research also highlights the significance of using green synthesis methods, which provide an efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally benign way to produce nanoparticles. This process has two purposes: first, it lessens the need for harmful chemicals; second, it creates a system with improved bioactivity by combining the inherent therapeutic characteristics of plant extracts. It is critical to note the research\'s limitations, despite the encouraging results. Additional in vivo investigations are required to confirm these results in real creatures, while the in vitro results are promising. To guarantee the effectiveness and safety of these nanoparticles for medical uses, comprehensive toxicity evaluations and pharmacokinetic profiles are essential. Furthermore, it would be beneficial for future research to investigate how A. racemosa phytochemicals interact with silver nanoparticles on a molecular level. This research concludes that a biocompatible, environmentally friendly, and very effective therapeutic agent might be created by mixing Actaea racemosa with silver nanoparticles. This study opens the door to new possibilities for the use of nanotechnology in herbal medicine, which has the potential to transform the field of natural medicine by providing effective treatments for a variety of ailments. Contributing to the expanding area of sustainable and creative medicinal treatments, this study bridges the gap between traditional plant-based remedies and current nanotechnology.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Druva Chowdary Nagandla , Sreemoy Kanti Das, K. Suresh Babu. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.