Evaluation of the Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, and Anticholinesterase Potential of Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles from Khaya grandifoliola

Introduction: In recent years, plant-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles has evolved as a promising alternative to traditional synthesis methods. In addition to producing silver nanoparticles with diverse biomedical potential, the biosynthesis approach is known to be inexpensive, rapid, and environmentally friendly. Objective: This study was aimed at synthesizing silver nanoparticles using ethanolic stem and root bark extracts of Khaya grandifoliola and highlighting the biomedical potential of the nanoparticles by evaluating their antioxidant, antidiabetic and anticholinesterase effects in vitro. Methods: Silver nanoparticles were prepared using ethanolic stem and root bark extracts of K. grandifoliola as precursors. The biogenic silver nanoparticles were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energydispersive X-ray analysis. Furthermore, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging, ferric ion reducing antioxidant power, and nitric oxide scavenging assays were used to determine the antioxidant property of the nanoparticles. The antidiabetic potential of the nanoparticles was determined by evaluating their inhibitory effect on the activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The anticholinesterase potential of the nanoparticles was determined by assessing their inhibitory effect on the activity of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. Results: UV-visible spectroscopy showed surface plasmon resonance bands between 425 and 450 nm. Scanning electron microscopy revealed almost round nanoparticles with a maximum size of 91 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy affirmed the role of the phytoconstituents present in K. grandifoliola as reducing and stabilizing agents. The biogenic silver nanoparticles showed remarkable antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticholinesterase effects. Conclusion: Biogenic silver nanoparticles could be useful in biomedical and pharmacological applications.