Exploring the In Vitro Antidiabetic Potential of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Lemongrass and Mint Formulation

Rajeshkumar Shanmugam; Tharani Munusamy; Afrin Nisha M; Annika Rajaselin; Sulochana Govindharaj

doi:10.7759/cureus.53489

Exploring the In Vitro Antidiabetic Potential of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Lemongrass and Mint Formulation

Cureus. 2024 Feb 3;16(2):e53489. doi: 10.7759/cureus.53489. eCollection 2024 Feb.

Authors

Rajeshkumar Shanmugam¹, Tharani Munusamy², Afrin Nisha M², Annika Rajaselin², Sulochana Govindharaj²

Affiliations

¹ Nanobiomedicine Lab, Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND.
² Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND.

Abstract

Aim This study aimed to compare the antidiabetic effect of metal oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs and ZnONPs) prepared using lemongrass and mint herbal formulations. Introduction The study explores green-synthesized nanoparticles for potential applications in diabetes management, emphasizing sustainable synthesis methods, particularly zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) produced from lemongrass and mint herbal formulations. The study was prompted by the increasing importance of innovative therapeutic strategies, responding to emerging health challenges, and leveraging advancements in nanotechnology and eco-friendly practices to explore the potential of green-synthesized nanoparticles in diabetes management. Methods The methods involve herbal formulation preparation, CuONPs and ZnONPs synthesis, and UV-visible spectrophotometry for characterization. In vitro antidiabetic activity is assessed through α-amylase and β-glucosidase enzyme assays using varied nanoparticle concentrations (10-50 µL). Results Visual observations confirm successful synthesis, with distinct color changes observed in both CuONPs and ZnONPs after 24 hours. UV-visible spectrophotometry reveals absorption peaks at 440 nm and 380 nm for CuONPs and ZnONPs, respectively. In the α-amylase assay, both nanoparticles exhibit concentration-dependent inhibition, with CuONPs ranging from 40% to 77% and ZnONPs ranging from 36% to 80%. The β-glucosidase assay demonstrates similar concentration-dependent inhibition patterns, highlighting significant differences. Conclusion The study concludes that CuONPs and ZnONPs synthesis using lemongrass and mint herbal formulations show concentration-dependent antidiabetic activity. The comparative analysis underscores the need for tailored approaches based on nanoparticle composition. These findings contribute valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of green-synthesized nanoparticles, paving the way for future nanomedicine research and development in diabetes management.

Keywords: anti-diabetic activity; biomedical application; copper oxide nanoparticles; green synthesis; product development; sustainable nanoparticles; zinc oxide nanoparticles.