Green synthesis and cream formulations of silver nanoparticles of Nauclea latifolia (African peach) fruit extracts and evaluation of antimicrobial and antioxidant activities

The phytochemical, antioxidants and antimicrobial potential of aqueous and methanol fruit extracts of Nauclea latifolia (African peach) and its application in biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles and its cold cream formulations were investigated. The phytochemical constituents, antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of aqueous and methanolic fruit extract of N. latifolia were investigated. The extracts were used in bio-reduction of silver nitrate to nanoparticles. Formation of nanoparticles was confirmed and characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometer. FTIR, Energy dispersive X-Ray and Scanning Electron microscopy. The nanoparticles were used in cream formulation and the antimicrobial properties of the nanoparticles and formulated creams were evaluated using agar well diffusion method. The phytochemical evaluation of Nauclea latifolia crude extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, anthraquinones and steroids, tannins and glycosides. N. Latifolia methanol fruit extract exhibited antioxidant activity in a dose dependent manner. The Surface Plasmon Resonance peak was 350 nm and functional group such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, alkyl halides, phenols, amines, carbonyl and amide groups were present which was important for the bio-reduction and capping of the silver ions into nanoparticles. EDX analysis showed silver as the main element present and the nanoparticles were irregular in shape and 12 nm in size. The formulated creams were stable, cosmetically appealing with satisfactory pH, viscosity and spreadability. The Nauclea latifolia aqueous extract-silver nanoparticles and its cream formulation exhibited potent antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. This work reports a simple, eco-friendly, and economic means to synthesis of AgNPs using aqueous extract of Nauclea latifolia (African peach).