Evaluation of In-vitro Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesised using Piper Nigrum Extract

Abstract

Introduction: Nanotechnology has emerged as an exciting approach in the drug development process and among the various nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles have been explored for its variety of medical applications. Phyto assisted synthesis of silver nanoparticles is an eco-friendly and cost effective method for the development of silver nanoparticles with additional properties conferred by the capping phytochemicals. Aim of the study: To synthesize silver nanoparticles using the aqueous extract of the unripe fruits of Piper nigrum and to evaluate its in-vitro anti inflammatory activity. Results: The synthesised silver nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Spectroscopic analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infra Red Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC). The alkaloids and proteins present in Piper nigrum extract act as both reducing and capping agents. The synthesised silver nanoparticles were spherical and cuboidal with a size range of 40-100 nm. HPTLC studies revealed that 856 ng of piperine was found capping 1 mg of silver nanoparticles. The anti inflammatory activity of the synthesised silver nanoparticles was assessed using in-vitro assays for Tumour Necrosis Factor α (TNFα), Interleukins-1β and 6 (IL-1β and IL-6). The synthesised silver nanoparticles were also compared with the commercial silver nanoparticles, synthesised by standard chemical methods in these assays. It was found that the synthesised silver nanoparticles showed greater inhibition of all three cytokines at concentrations ranging from 10-20 μg/ml. Conclusion: The synthesised silver nanoparticles exhibited an enhanced anti inflammatory activity due to the synergistic effect of alkaloids of Piper nigrum extract and the silver ions.