Green Fabrication of Zero valent Iron Nanoparticles (nZVI) from Senna auriculata Flower Extract for Antidiabetic Activity
J. Environ. Nanotechnol., Volume 15, No 2 (June 2026) pp. 344-353
Abstract
The present study aims to develop an eco-friendly and biocompatible nanoscale zero-valent iron nanoparticle system using Senna auriculata flower extract and to evaluate its antioxidant and antidiabetic potential for possible biomedical applications. S. auriculata flower extract was used as a green reducing and capping agent for the synthesis of Zero valent Iron Nanoparticles (nZVI). The presence of phytochemicals such as flavonoids, phenolics, and glycosides in the extract supported nanoparticle formation and stabilisation. The synthesised nanoparticles were characterised using UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis to confirm their structural, functional, and morphological properties. The characterisation results confirmed the formation of spherical, nanoscale, surface-functionalised nZVI nanoparticles with good colloidal stability. In vitro analysis showed significant antioxidant activity, with DPPH radical scavenging reaching 87.2% at 500 µg/mL. The nanoparticles also exhibited notable antidiabetic activity through dose-dependent inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, with IC₅₀ values of 220 µg/mL and 235 µg/mL, respectively. The enhanced bioactivity may be attributed to the synergistic interaction between the nanoscale iron core and bioactive phytochemicals present in S. auriculata extract. The findings indicate that S. auriculata-mediated nZVI nanoparticles may serve as a sustainable and biocompatible platform for developing antidiabetic therapeutic agents. Future studies should focus on in vivo evaluation, toxicity profiling, pharmacokinetic studies, and formulation development to validate their safety, efficacy, and clinical applicability.
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