Antidiabetic Activity of Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles from Ziziphus mucronata Leaves Extract

Abstract

Green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) offer sustainable, cost-effective therapeutic potential in nanomedicine due to their unique physicochemical properties. This study explores Ziziphus mucronata (Z. mucronata) leaf extract-synthesized AgNPs (ZM-AgNPs) for in vitro antidiabetic activity via in vitro assay. Phytochemical composition was analyzed using qualitative method and GC-MS, ZM-AgNPs were synthesized using methanol extract and confirmed via UV-vis spectroscopy and characterized using SEM, FT-IR, and XRD. Antidiabetic activity was assessed through α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition assays at varying concentrations (20–100 μg/mL). The result of phytochemical analysis reveals the presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin, anthraquinone, phenols, tannins, steroid, glycoside and phlobatannins. UV-vis spectra showed highest surface plasmon resonance peak at 412 nm, confirming AgNPs formation. FT-IR identified bioactive compounds (phenolics, and flavonoids) involved in reduction and stabilization. XRD and SEM revealed crystalline, spherical nanoparticles (20–50 nm). ZM-AgNPs exhibited dose-dependent inhibition, with maximal α-glucosidase (88.05%, IC₅o: 1.56 mg/mL) and α-amylase (68.09 %, IC₅₀: 61.31mg/mL) activity, surpassing both crude extract (80.59 %, 44.34 %) and Acarbose (83.32 %, 52.24 %) respectively. ZM-AgNPs demonstrate superior antidiabetic potential attributed to enhanced bioavailability and synergistic phytochemical interactions. This underscores their promise as a natural alternative for diabetes management.