Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Citrullus colocynthis fruit: phytochemical analysis, antioxidant, and urease, carbonic anhydrase, and xanthine oxidase inhibition activities

This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and enzyme inhibition profile of Citrullus colocynthis and its synthesised silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesised using C. colocynthis fruit extract and characterised using various techniques, including UV-Visible Spectroscopy, SEM, XRD, and FTIR, which confirmed the successful formation of AgNPs. The AgNPs exhibited significant antioxidant activity, with IC50 values of 0.45 ± 0.4 µg/mL, 0.45 ± 0.5 µg/mL, and 0.45 ± 0.1 µg/mL for DPPH, FICA, and HRSC assays, respectively. The nanoparticles also showed potent enzyme inhibition activity against urease, carbonic anhydrase, and xanthine oxidase, with IC50 values of 90 ± 0.1 μg/mL, 221 ± 0.4 µg/mL, and 187 ± 0.9 µg/mL, respectively. Notably, the AgNPs demonstrated enhanced bioactivity compared to the plant extract, highlighting their potential as therapeutic agents. This study provides new insights into the antioxidant and enzyme inhibition potential of C. colocynthis AgNPs, warranting further investigation into their therapeutic applications.