Green Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles Using Indigenous Indian Medicinal Plants

Abstract

Green synthesis of metal nanoparticles using indigenous Indian medicinal plants has emerged as a sustainable and low-toxicity alternative to conventional chemical and physical fabrication routes. Plant extracts rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, proteins and sugars function simultaneously as reducing and stabilizing agents, enabling single-step production of metal nanoparticles such as silver, gold, copper, zinc oxide and iron oxide. Indian medicinal flora including Azadirachta indica, Ocimum sanctum, Tinospora cordifolia, Terminalia arjuna and Withania somnifera have demonstrated strong reducing capability and yield nanoparticles with controlled morphology and significant biological activity. Indian studies up to 2025 report reproducible synthesis protocols, strong antimicrobial and antioxidant performance, and promising catalytic and biomedical applications. This paper presents a structured research-style review covering synthesis principles, plant-based methodologies, characterization results, comparative outcomes and future prospects based on Indian research contributions.