Abstract

This paper describes a simple and effective green approach for synthesizing silver nanoparticles using Launaea sarmentosa aqueous plant extract. Phytoconstituents screening revealed the presence of tannins and phenolics, terpenoids, and alkaloids, all of which function as both bio-reductants and capping agents for silver nanoparticles formation. The influence of several experimental parameters in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles was optimized. Spectrophotometric analysis with a maximum absorbance peak of 430 nm was accomplished to confirm the successful formation of green silver nanoparticles. A range of characterization techniques was used to study the physicochemical properties of synthesized silver nanoparticles. The results demonstrated spherical and high-stability silver nanoparticles with an average diameter of approximately 30 nm. The silver nanoparticles greenly synthesized from Launaea sarmentosa extract exhibited good antiplasmodial potential against Plasmodium falciparum K1 strain with a 50% inhibitory concentration of 17.21 ± 1.18 µg mL⁻¹ and a 100% growth inhibitor percentage of 312.5 µg mL⁻¹. The proposed method provides a sustainable, low-cost, non-toxic, rapid, and reliable procedure to create silver nanoparticles, which could be a promising alternative treatment for malaria.