Abstract

The therapeutic possibility of Catharanthus roseus ethanolic extract of leaves (CELEs) was related with that of C. roseus mediated green synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles (CELFeNPs) for its antibacterial, antioxidant, as well as anti-diabetic activities. The bioactive components in CELE were assessed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to prepare Fe2O3 nanoparticles (CELFeNPs) utilizing the phytoreducing method of green synthesis. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy analysis was performed to analyze the capping of nanoparticles by phytochemicals, and the crystalline nature was validated by X-ray diffraction analysis. Comparative antioxidant activity was assayed by 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, antidiabetic effect was evaluated by alpha-amylase inhibitory activity, and antibacterial activity was assessed. CELFeNPs showed enhanced antioxidant activity than CELE. The antibacterial efficacy of CELFeNPs improved with increased nanoparticle concentration. The alpha-amylase inhibitory activity of CELFeNPs was higher than CELE for concentrations ranging from 20 to 100μg/ ml. Green synthesized CELFeNPs demonstrated superior antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-diabetic activity when compared with CELE. The results from the current research indicate that the Fe2O3 nanoparticles produced by green synthesis utilizing C. roseus ethanolic leaf extract have greater efficacy than the C. roseus ethanolic leaf extract and could be used as a therapeutic agent.

Key words: C. roseus-iron oxide nanoparticles, green synthesis, antibacterial, antioxidant, antidiabetic