Bactericidal activity of silver nanoparticles in drug-resistant bacteria

Bacterial resistance to multiple drugs is a worldwide problem that afflicts public health. Various studies have shown that silver nanoparticles are good bactericidal agents against bacteria due to the adherence and penetration of the external bacterial membrane, preventing different vital functions and subsequently bacterial cell death. A systematic review of ScienceDirect, PubMed, and EBSCOhost was conducted to synthesize the literature evidence on the association between the bactericidal property of silver nanoparticles on both resistant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Eligible studies were original, comparative observational studies that reported results on drug-resistant bacteria. Two independent reviewers extracted the relevant information. Out of the initial 1 420, 142 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included to form the basis of the analysis. Full-text screening led to the selection of 6 articles for review. The results of this systematic review showed that silver nanoparticles act primarily as bacteriostatic agents and subsequently as bactericides, both in Gram-positive and Gram-negative drug-resistant bacteria.

Green Synthesis of Bioinspired Nanoparticles Mediated from Plant Extracts of Asteraceae Family for Potential Biological Applications

The Asteraceae family is one of the largest families in the plant kingdom with many of them extensively used for significant traditional and medicinal values. Being a rich source of various phytochemicals, they have found numerous applications in various biological fields and have been extensively used for therapeutic purposes. Owing to its potential phytochemicals present and biological activity, these plants have found their way into pharmaceutical industry as well as in various aspects of nanotechnology such as green synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles. The nanoparticles developed from the plants of Asteraceae family are highly stable, less expensive, non-toxic, and eco-friendly. Synthesized Asteraceae-mediated nanoparticles have extensive applications in antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, and photocatalytic degradation activities. This current review provides an opportunity to understand the recent trend to design and develop strategies for advanced nanoparticles through green synthesis. Here, the review discussed about the plant parts, extraction methods, synthesis, solvents utilized, phytochemicals involved optimization conditions, characterization techniques, and toxicity of nanoparticles using species of Asteraceae and their potential applications for human welfare. Constraints and future prospects for green synthesis of nanoparticles from members of the Asteraceae family are summarized.

Galinsoga parviflora (Cav.): A comprehensive review on ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological studies

Galinsoga parviflora (Cav.) is a member of the Asteraceae family traditionally used for treatment of various ailments such as malaria, flu, cold, colorectal cancer, liver problems and inflammation. The medicinal properties of G. parviflora are due to the presence of various secondary metabolites including flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids and tannins. The literature survey revealed that G. parviflora possesses several pharmacological properties such as antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and antidiabetic. This review systematically discusses the potential of G. parviflora for managing medical conditions. The information is collected from various online databases such as Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Springer, Web of Science, Plant of the World Online and PubMed. Among other information provided in this review, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities are discussed extensively. Additonally, the potential benefits, challenges and future opportunities are presented.