Therapeutic Evaluation of Zanthoxylum armatum Leaves Extract and its Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles for Antidiabetic and Cytotoxic Applications

Targeting digestive enzymes presents a promising strategy for preventing, treating and managing diabetes. The present study evaluated the cytotoxic and antidiabetic potential of the leaves extract of Zanthoxylum armatum (ZAE) and silver nanoparticles (ZA-Ag NPs) using an in vitro approach. The Ag NPs were synthesized biologically and characterized using advanced analytical instruments, including UV-Vis spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Enzyme inhibition assays were performed against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, β-glucosidase and lipase. The cytotoxicity of silver nanoparticles was also evaluated. UV-visible spectroscopy showed a peak at 429 nm. DLS analysis indicated that Ag NPs have a Z-average size of 92 nm along with zeta potentials of -13.2. FE-SEM revealed that the nanoparticles were spherical, with some dispersed and others present as agglomerates. FTIR analysis identified the functional groups of Ag NPs and the XRD spectrum confirmed their crystalline nature. Their antidiabetic properties increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Z. armatum derived silver nanoparticles (ZA-Ag NPs) exhibited IC50 values of 81.82, 75.72, 111.71 and 59.02 µg/mL, whereas Z. armatum extract (ZAE) showed 77.52, 82.77, 120.08 and 49.24 µg/mL against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, β-glucosidase and lipase respectively. ZA-Ag NPs demonstrated stronger inhibition of α-amylase, α-glucosidase and β-glucosidase, while ZAE was more effective against lipase. The results were further validated by one-way ANOVA, confirming significant enzyme inhibition by Ag NPs (p < 0.05).