Biological Properties Of Quassia amara Using Zinc Nanoparticles (ZnNPs)

Abstract

The integration of nanotechnology with traditional medicinal plants has opened new avenues for enhancing therapeutic efficacy. Quassia amara, a medicinal plant known for its bitter compounds and bioactive phytochemicals, exhibits diverse biological activities including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiparasitic effects. This study explores the biological properties of Quassia amara extract when combined with zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs), aiming to evaluate their synergistic potential. ZnNPs were synthesized using a green synthesis method, employing Quassia amara extract as both a reducing and stabilizing agent. The biosynthesized ZnNPs were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, and SEM to confirm nanoparticle formation and morphology. The biological assays demonstrated enhanced antimicrobial activity against various gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as antifungal effects. Additionally, the ZnNPs exhibited significant antioxidant activity, indicating improved free radical scavenging capacity compared to the plant extract alone. Cytotoxicity tests revealed a moderate, dose-dependent safety profile, suggesting potential for biomedical applications. The enhanced biological activity is attributed to the increased surface area and bioavailability of ZnNPs, facilitating better interaction with microbial cells and oxidative agents. This study highlights the promising potential of Quassia amara-mediated ZnNPs as a natural and eco-friendly platform for developing novel therapeutic agents. Further in vivo and mechanistic studies are recommended to fully understand the pharmacological and toxicological profiles. The findings underscore the importance of combining plant-based approaches with nanotechnology to develop advanced materials for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.