Comparative Anti-inflammatory Activity of Silver and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Ocimum tenuiflorum and Ocimum gratissimum Herbal Formulations

Abstract

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the anti-inflammatory properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) that were synthesized utilizing African tulsi and black tulsi herbal formulations. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by the utilization of bovine serum albumin (BSA) denaturation and egg albumin denaturation tests. In addition, a membrane stabilization experiment was performed to evaluate their efficacy as anti-inflammatory drugs. Methods This study was conducted at Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India. AgNPs and ZnONPs were synthesized using Ocimum tenuiflorum (African tulsi) and Ocimum gratissimum (black tulsi) extracts. The BSA denaturation assay involved mixing serum albumin with different nanoparticle concentrations (10-50 µg/mL) and measuring absorbance at 660 nm. The egg albumin denaturation assay followed a similar procedure. The membrane stabilization assay utilized red blood cells and spectrophotometric measurements at 540 nm. Results In the BSA denaturation assay, AgNPs and ZnONPs showed concentration-dependent inhibition of protein denaturation. While these nanoparticles exhibited anti-inflammatory potential, diclofenac sodium consistently displayed slightly stronger inhibition. In the egg albumin denaturation assay, AgNPs and ZnONPs inhibited protein denaturation at various concentrations. Their anti-inflammatory effects were comparable to the standard drug, diclofenac sodium. In the membrane stabilization assay, both nanoparticle types demonstrated concentration-dependent membrane stabilization effects. Diclofenac sodium exhibited slightly stronger membrane stabilization. Conclusions AgNPs and ZnONPs synthesized using Ocimum tenuiflorum and Ocimum gratissimum (African tulsi and black tulsi) possess anti-inflammatory potential, as demonstrated by their inhibition of protein denaturation and membrane stabilization. While these nanoparticles show promise as anti-inflammatory agents, further research is needed to explore their clinical applications and safety profiles.