Extraction and Phytochemical Profile of Three Herbal Weeds: Chromolaena odorata L., Amaranthys virdis L., and Cyperus Rotudus L. for Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles

Abstract

Phytochemical screening and silver nanoparticle synthesis of extract of 3 local weeds from Sakon Nakhon Province, namely, Chromolaena odorata L., Amaranthus virdis L., and Cyperus Rotudus L., were carried out. The preliminary testing of chemical constituents revealed secondary metabolites with pharmacological activity. The weed extracts possessed bioactive compounds and were potent for silver nanoparticle synthesis. The weed extracts demonstrated a lower inhibition percentage (DPPH inhibition) than ascorbic acid, with significant differences at p<0.05. Reducing agent analysis revealed that the weed extracts contained reducing compounds such as phenol and carboxylic acid suitable for AgNPs. The XRD patterns of silver nanoparticles synthesized from the extracts demonstrated the efficacy of the weed extract for medical applications (the production of AgNPs). In the future, the size and morphology of silver particles should be investigated. The current results are expected to be a guideline for further applications of local weeds.