EXPLORATION OF THREE INDIAN SPICES FOR ZINC OXIDE NANOPARTICLES SYNTHESIS AND ASSESSMENT OF THE THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF THESE SYNTHESIZED NANOPARTICLES

Nanotechnology has revolutionized multiple scientific domains, especially biomedical sciences. Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) due to their unique properties find a wide application in biomedicine, food, agriculture, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, textile, rubber and electronic industries. Green synthesis of ZnO NPs employing plant-based extracts is an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to conventional chemical synthesis. Present study explores the potential of Indian Spices viz. Brassica hirta (Yellow Mustard), Piper cubeba (Kabab Chini), and Amomum subulatum (Black Cardamom) as reducing and stabilizing agents in green synthesis of ZnO NPs and its detailed characterization with respect to UV-Visible Spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM). The UV-Visible spectra of the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles revealed the absorption maxima in the range between 290-350 nm which confirms the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles. The XRD pattern confirmed the crystalline nature and hexagonal wurtzite structure of the ZnO NPs. The FESEM analysis revealed the cylindrical shape in case of Brassica hirta ZnO NPs, hexagonal shape in case of Piper cubeba ZnO NPs and irregular shape in case of Amomum subulatum ZnO NPs. These biogenically produced ZnO NPs were then used to evaluate their possible antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. ZnO NPs demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus, Escherichia coli, Proteus, Aspergillus niger, and Candida albicans, while their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties were also comparable to the respective standards use in the assays. This research highlights the potential biomedical applications of Indian Spice-mediated ZnO NPs, demonstrating their efficacy in various therapeutic interventions.