A facile green synthesis approach to silver nanoparticles using calyx from Abelmoschus esculentus and its anthelmintic activity

Abstract

In recent years, technology pertaining to nanobiomaterials has taken rapid strides, with the development of novel materials having unique properties. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have gained attention among these materials due to their high chemical stability, surface-to-volume ratio, and strong antimicrobial activity. The traditional method for synthesizing AgNPs involves toxic chemicals, which can have negative environmental impacts and pose health risks. Hence, there is a growing need for green synthesis methods for AgNPs that are environmentally friendly and safe for animal and human health. In this study, we explore the green synthesis of AgNPs using calyx from Abelmoschus esculentus, also known as okra, as an anthelmintic. Raillietina spp. is a common poultry parasite causing significant economic losses to the livestock industry. It is a major cause of ailment and mortality in livestock, deterring the host health. While chemical-based anthelmintic drugs are available, the increasing prevalence of drug-resistant parasite strains has made searching for new and effective treatments imperative. Although ethnomedicine has been promising for treating various diseases, including parasitic infections, nanoparticles have emerged as a viable alternative to traditional anthelmintic curative development. Our study aims at investigating the recent advances in nanomedicine, particularly AgNPs, as anthelmintic agents, which has shown remarkable alterations in the levels of tegumental enzymes, eventually leading to their paralysis and death. We discuss the mechanisms of action of AgNPs against Raillietina spp. and highlight the potential benefits of using biosynthesized curatives that interfere with the host-parasite interface to treat parasite-related disorders.