Article Phytochemical analysis and green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Centella asiatica leaf and stem extracts: An investigation of antibacterial activity

Kamana Sharma (Tribhuvan University) ; Manisha Bhusal (Tribhuvan University) ; Akash Budha Magar (Tribhuvan University) ; Ishwor Pathak (Tribhuvan University) ; SHRESTHA Lok Kumar SAMURAI ORCID (Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA)/Nanomaterials Field/Supermolecules Group, National Institute for Materials Science) ; Khaga Raj Sharma (Tribhuvan University)

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Kamana Sharma, Manisha Bhusal, Akash Budha Magar, Ishwor Pathak, SHRESTHA Lok Kumar, Khaga Raj Sharma. Phytochemical analysis and green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Centella asiatica leaf and stem extracts: An investigation of antibacterial activity. PLoS One. 2025, 20 (9), . https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0321172

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(abstract)

Centella asiatica (L.) Urban is a traditionally revered plant possessing several therapeutic
applications. This research evaluated the phytochemical and antibacterial
properties of Centella asiatica. In addition, silver nanoparticles were synthesized
using the stem and leaf aqueous extracts. The presence of alkaloids, flavonoids,
glycosides, terpenoids, and phenolics in plant extracts indicates their high medicinal
value. Methanolic leaf extract showed a higher phenolic and flavonoid content
of 43.73 ± 0.33 mg GAE/g and 19.76 ± 1.12 mg QE/g, respectively. It also contained
the most antioxidant activity with the lowest DPPH inhibitory concentration (IC50)
of 49.31 ± 1.48 μg/mL. Plant extracts and synthesized nanoparticles were active
against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Methanolic leaf extract displayed
an MIC of 27.5 and MBC of 55 mg/mL against S. aureus. Synthesized nanoparticles
were characterized using different spectroscopic techniques. UV-visible spectra
of nanoparticles contained distinct absorption peaks resulting from surface plasmon
resonance at 405 and 408 nm. The nanoparticles showed face-centered cubic
crystallinity in powder X-ray Diffraction analysis. Fourier Transfer Infrared spectra
suggested the possible involvement of organic functional groups in nanoparticle
synthesis. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy and Transmission Electron
Microscopy analysis revealed the spherical shape with non-uniform size distribution.
Mean particle sizes were 20 nm and 19 nm for leaf and stem extract synthesized
nanoparticles, respectively. In conclusion, Centella asiatica is rich in important plant
secondary metabolites and biological activities, and its aqueous extract synthesizes
silver nanoparticles that show potential antibacterial activity.

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Keyword: Phytochemical analysis, Centella asiatica (L.), Green synthesis, Ag nanoparticles

Date published: 2025-09-25

Publisher: Public Library of Science

Journal:

  • PLoS One (ISSN: 19326203) vol. 20 issue. 9

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Manuscript type: Publisher's version (Version of record)

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First published URL: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0321172

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Updated at: 2025-10-21 16:05:38 +0900

Published on MDR: 2025-10-21 15:43:16 +0900

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