Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles from Abelmoschus esculentus Leaves and Their GC–MS Characterization and Pharmacological Potential
Keywords:
Abelmoschus esculentus; Iron oxide nanoparticles; Green synthesis; GC–MS; Phytochemicals; Pharmacological potentialAbstract
The development of eco-friendly nanomaterials using plant extracts has emerged as a sustainable and cost-effective approach for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) leaves are a rich source of phytochemicals, including flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, and terpenoids, which contribute significantly to their medicinal and nutritional properties. In the present study, A. esculentus leaf extract was utilized for the green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₂O₃/Fe₃O₄ NPs), providing an environmentally benign alternative to conventional chemical synthesis methods. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized, and the phytochemical constituents associated with the leaf extract were identified using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS).GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds predominantly belonging to fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), esters, alkanes, diterpene alcohols, and other phytoconstituents known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pharmacological activities. These metabolites play a crucial role in the reduction and stabilization of iron oxide nanoparticles while enhancing their biological efficacy. Previous studies have demonstrated that aqueous and organic solvent extracts of A. esculentus leaves, including ethyl acetate and acetone extracts, possess remarkable free radical scavenging capacity, antimicrobial activity, and anti-inflammatory potential due to the synergistic action of these phytochemicals.The findings suggest that green-synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles derived from A. esculentus leaves exhibit promising pharmacological potential and may serve as effective candidates for the development of novel therapeutic agents. The combination of plant-derived bioactive compounds with iron oxide nanoparticles offers enhanced biological activity and provides a sustainable platform for future applications in nanomedicine, antimicrobial therapy, antioxidant formulations, and drug delivery systems. This eco-friendly approach highlights the potential of A. esculentus as a valuable natural resource for the synthesis of functional nanomaterials with diverse biomedical applications..
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