Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity of Allophylus serratus

Allophylus serratus mediated silver nanoparticles biosynthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial activity were described. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles was confirmed by visual observation: UV-Vis spectrum, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR). UV-Vis spectroscopy studies showed that the absorption spectra of synthesized silver nanoparticles from leaf and callus extracts had absorbance peak range of 440 nm and 445 nm, respectively. The X-RD pattern revealed the presence of crystalline, dominantly spherical silver nanoparticles in the sample having size ranging from 42 to 50 nm. The XRD peaks 38.2°, 44.1°, 64.1°, and 77.0° for leaf extract and 38.1°, 44.3°, 64.5°, 77.5°, and 81.33° for callus extract can be assigned the plane of silver crystals (111), (200), (220), and (311), respectively, and indicate that the silver nanoparticles are face-centered, cubic, and crystalline in nature. SEM and EDS analysis also confirmed the presence of silver nanoparticles. The FTIR results showed the presence of some biomolecules in extracts that act as reducing and capping agent for silver nanoparticles biosynthesis. The synthesized silver nanoparticles showed significant antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The antiviral properties of edible medicinal plants: potential remedies against coronaviruses

SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) is an unparalleled challenge for the international community. Subsequently, an extraordinary effort has been made to contain SARS-CoV-2. However, this has been largely limited to behavioral changes and vaccination. To make the containment strategies effective, behavioral changes and vaccination need to be complemented with alternative prevention methods and curative treatments. This work reports the antiviral properties of some of the commonly known edible medicinal plants that can be used as potential remedies to suppress coronaviruses. A growing body of evidence substantiates that edible medicinal plants with antiviral properties that have been proven effective against sibling coronaviruses likely contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2, and they may also suppress the fatality of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019). The secondary metabolites found in herbal medicines do not cause pathogens to develop drug resistance, which is a common problem in conventional medicines. The use of edible medicinal plants is much safer and causes less panic, thereby avoiding the fear associated with the use of herbal medicines. Right dosages and mixtures of edible medicinal plants need to be rigorously investigated to circumvent unanticipated side effects and chronic health risks