Application of green synthesized nanoparticles in medicinal plant research: revisiting an emerging eco-friendly approach

The biogenic production of plant-derived nanoparticles (NPs), with a spotlight on their potential as eco-friendly sustainable catalysts, is a major topic of study in the field of plant research, and their potential uses are recently being studied in nanocatalysis research. The biogenic synthesis of NPs from plants appears as a viable and effective strategy to create quick and efficient technologies and, yet, it has seldom been studied. Such NPs are well-suited for a range of biological applications because of their notable antioxidant, antibacterial, and antimicrobial activities. Some of these are also utilized as medications in healthcare, or their structural characteristics have served as a model for the synthesis of more potent synthetic pharmaceuticals. Increasing the synthesis of these secondary metabolites may be accomplished in various ways, one of which is by using nanoparticles that act as elicitors. Nevertheless, nanoparticles may offer various additional advantages for medicinal and aromatic plants, such as accelerated plant development, enhanced photosynthetic efficiency, and general performance, depending on the precise particle size, composition, concentration, and application method. Acknowledging these applications, the current review delved the updated information on exploring the medicinal plants used in NP synthesis. The suggested mechanisms of action of NPs on the modulation of plant secondary metabolism and biomedical applications are also discussed. This highlights that a deeper study to understand the intricate complexities involved in NPs action is essential. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.].