Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles Using Medicinal Plants: Opportunities and Challenges

Nanotechnology has emerged as a rapidly advancing field with significant applications in medicine, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, environmental remediation and biotechnology. Conventional methods for nanoparticle synthesis often involve hazardous chemicals, high energy consumption and environmental concerns. Green synthesis of nanoparticles using medicinal plants has gained considerable attention as an eco-friendly, cost-effective and sustainable alternative. Medicinal plants contain a wide variety of bioactive phytochemicals, including flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, terpenoids and proteins which act as natural reducing, stabilizing and capping agents during nanoparticle formation. Plant-mediated synthesis offers several advantages such as simplicity, biocompatibility, scalability and reduced toxicity compared to chemical and physical synthesis methods. Green-synthesized nanoparticles, particularly silver, gold, zinc oxide and iron oxide nanoparticles have demonstrated remarkable biological activities including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and wound-healing properties. These nanoparticles have shown promising potential in drug delivery systems, diagnostic applications and the development of novel therapeutic agents. Furthermore, the use of medicinal plant extracts enhances the biological efficacy of nanoparticles through synergistic interactions between phyto constituents and nano materials. Despite these advantages, several challenges hinder the widespread commercialization and clinical translation of plant-based nanoparticle synthesis. Variability in plant composition, lack of standardized protocols, difficulties in controlling particle size and morphology, limited reproducibility and insufficient toxicological evaluations remain major concerns. Additionally, large-scale production and regulatory approval require comprehensive characterization and quality control measures. This review highlights the principles, mechanisms, applications, opportunities and challenges associated with the green synthesis of nanoparticles using medicinal plants. Emphasis is placed on recent advancements, therapeutic potential and future perspectives for developing sustainable nanotechnology-based solutions. Green synthesis represents a promising approach toward environmentally benign nanoparticle production and offers significant opportunities for advancing healthcare and industrial applications while minimizing ecological impact.