Vitex negundo assisted green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles with different applications: a mini review

Abstract

Several attempts have been made for green synthesis of nanoparticles of different metals and metal oxides, revealing the significance of plant extracts in reducing metal source to nanoparticles and applications in various scientific domains. The present article focus on applications of Vitex negundo leaves extract in fabrication of nanoparticles of various metals like silver, gold, zinc oxide, and copper oxide. Vitex negundo is evergreen, perennial shrub, belonging to family Verbenaceae. Its leaves are reported to contain several phytochemicals like iridoids, flavonoids, and their glycosides, terpenoids. In respective research attempts, these metallic nanoparticles were evaluated for one or more applications like anti-microbial activity and/or photocatalytic activity. Use of V. negundo polar extract indicated involvement of its polar phytocompounds in reducing the metal source and stabilizing the nanoparticles. In conclusion, it could be noted that metal nanoparticles have better antimicrobial activity and photocatalytic potential over aqueous leaves extract.