Synthesis, characterization & evaluation of venom neutralization potential of silver nanoparticles mediated Alstonia scholaris Linn bark extract

Objective: The venom neutralization potential of silver nanoparticle(AgNP-AS) mediated bark extract of Alstonia scholaris Linn R.Br was investigated in the study. Methods & materials: AgNP-AS was synthesized with respect to optimal temperature, pH of extract. UV-vis, FT-IR, XRD, TEM, SEM studies were used to characterize silver nanoparticles of Alstonia scholaris Linn(AgNP-AS). The potential of AgNP-AS in neutralization of venom lethality, rise in myotoxicity markers(LDH) and proinflammatory cytokines(IL6, TNF alpha) were evaluated in animal models. Results: AgNP-AS was synthesized optimally with AgNO3 (2 mM); extract concentration, 0.2 gm/l (1% w/v); extract (pH 9) and optimal temperature (40 degrees C). The colour change and synthesis of AgNP-AS was validated by UV-vis analysis at 432 nm. Transmission electron microscopy of AgNP-AS showed that the particle size for AgNP-AS was 14 nm-20 nm. FT-IR revealed peaks at 3445 cm(-1), 1646 cm(-1), 1346 cm(-1) and 1108 cm(-1). From the dynamic light scattering studies the hydrodynamic diameter (115.87 nm) and zeta potential(-29.8 mV) were estimated. The EDAX exhibited a peak for silver validating that the synthesized silver was pure. The biosynthesized (AgNP-AS) could significantly neutralize Viper russelli venom(VRV) induced rise in serum lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) and proinflammatory cytokines(IL6, TNF alpha) in animal models. Conclusion: The culmination of nanotechnology with herbal medicine might endow with a really constructive tool in coming up with future drugs with fewer toxicity.