Abstract:
The green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles is more popular due to its ecofriendly
and sustainable approach. Plant extracts with bioactive components,
such as flavonoids and polyphenols can reduce metal ions to nanoparticles
while other secondary metabolites including alkaloids, phenylpropanoids,
and saponins act as a capping agent to minimize the agglomeration. This
study aims to assess the phytochemical composition of Lantana camara,
Azadirachta indica, and Croton laccifercus, to determine their potential for
green synthesis of nanoparticles. Water extracts of these plants were
subjected to qualitative analysis of flavonoids, alkaloids tannins,
phytosterols, saponins, proteins, and glycosides using qualitative tests:
Wagner‟s Test, Ferric Chloride test, Salkowski's test, Frothing test, Biuret
test, and Keller-Kiliani test respectively. The total polyphenol content was
determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu test. The results showed that Lantana
camara and Azadirachta indica had the highest flavonoid content, with
Azadirachta indica having the highest phytosterols level and reducing sugars
content. Croton laccifercus and Azadirachta indica exhibited the highest
alkaloid concentration. In terms of total polyphenol content, Azadirachta
indica had the highest concentration (3.99 mg GAE/g), followed by Lantana
camara (3.96 mg GAE/g), Croton Laccifercus (3.09 mg GAE/g). All three
plants extracts showed promising potential as bio-reductants for the green
synthesis of nanoparticles, with Azadirachta indica standing out due to its
strong phytochemical profile, making it the most suitable candidate for
efficient nanoparticle synthesis.
