Eco-friendly synthesis of water-soluble zinc and iron complexes from Boehmeria virgata and their enzyme inhibition potential

The synergy between the extract's natural compounds and metal ions opens new avenues for designing novel bioactive materials with enhanced therapeutic benefits. Within this research, the creation and evaluation of zinc and iron complexes derived from the leaf extract of Boehmeria virgata were examined. This study investigates the extraction process of Boehmeria and its subsequent coordination with metal ions (Zn²⁺ and Fe²⁺), resulting in the formation of water-soluble Zn (II) complex and Fe (II) complex. The formation of metal complexes was confirmed through various physicochemical and spectral analyses, including FTIR, UV–visible, mass spectrometry, and ¹H NMR. The redox behavior of the complexes in solution was probed with the aid of electrochemical techniques. These studies provide insights into the complexes' electron transfer processes and stability under different conditions. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) provided information on decomposition patterns and thermal degradation, offering insights into their durability at elevated temperatures. Furthermore, these complexes were explored for their antimicrobial, cytotoxicity, enzyme inhibition, and antioxidant activities. Results of antimicrobial and antioxidant activities suggest that the metal-functionalized Boehmeria extract exhibits potential biological activity. The metal complexes demonstrated no cytotoxicity under the tested conditions, maintaining cell viability above 97 %. Meanwhile, the Zn(II) complex exhibited the most potent enzyme inhibitory activity, achieving 99.09 % inhibition, indicating near-complete suppression of enzymatic function.