Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Wound Healing Activities of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles

Abstract

Green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as promising nanomaterials in biomedical research due to their unique physicochemical properties and broad-spectrum therapeutic applications. The increasing demand for environmentally sustainable nanotechnology has encouraged the development of green synthesis approaches utilizing medicinal plant extracts, microorganisms, and natural biomolecules as reducing and stabilizing agents. Compared with conventional synthesis methods, green synthesis offers advantages such as eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, enhanced biocompatibility, and reduced toxicity. Medicinal plant-derived silver nanoparticles possess significant biological activities that make them suitable for pharmaceutical and healthcare applications.

The present study reviews the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing activities of green synthesized silver nanoparticles and highlights their therapeutic significance. Plant-derived AgNPs contain phytochemical coatings composed of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, terpenoids, and tannins that contribute synergistically to their biological effectiveness. These nanoparticles exhibit strong antioxidant activity by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), reducing oxidative stress, and protecting cellular components from free radical-induced damage.

In addition to their antioxidant properties, green synthesized AgNPs demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory effects through the inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators, cytokines, and oxidative pathways. These mechanisms help reduce tissue inflammation and accelerate healing processes. Furthermore, silver nanoparticles possess remarkable wound healing potential by promoting fibroblast proliferation, collagen deposition, angiogenesis, antimicrobial protection, and tissue regeneration. Their ability to prevent microbial infection while simultaneously stimulating cellular repair makes them highly effective in wound management.

Recent advances in nanomedicine have expanded the application of AgNPs in wound dressings, tissue engineering scaffolds, controlled drug delivery systems, and regenerative medicine. Despite promising therapeutic outcomes, further studies on toxicity assessment, long-term safety, pharmacokinetics, and clinical translation remain necessary. The findings suggest that green synthesized silver nanoparticles represent a sustainable and multifunctional therapeutic platform with significant potential for antioxidant therapy, inflammation management, and advanced wound healing applications.