Prayagraj: Sangam City is known for producing the best guava in the world. Now a student at an institution from the same city has proven that not only the fruits or leaves of the guava, but also the roots of the plant have many health benefits, especially when it comes to fighting diabetes.
Amrita Raj, a researcher in the Department of Chemistry at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS) in Naini (SHUATS), has managed to carry out a green synthesis of silver nanoparticles made from guava root extract (Psidium guajava) Effective as anti-diabetic drugs and also effectively fought bacterial infections.
“Green synthesis is an emerging area in various areas and offers economic and ecological advantages as an alternative to chemical and physical methods. This method uses non-toxic safe reagents that are environmentally friendly and safe. This environmentally friendly technique involves the use of biological agents, plants or microbial agents as reducing and capping agents. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized by green chemistry offer a novel and potential alternative to chemically synthesized nanoparticles, ”says Raj, who continues her research under Associate Professor Reena Lawrence.
She recently presented her work at an international conference on “Global Approaches in Natural Resource Management for Climate-Friendly Agriculture (GNRSA) –2021” and received the “Young Scientist Associate Award” and the “Best Oral Presentation Award”.
She continues: “The green synthesized from AgNPs has the best antidiabetic results with an effective inhibition against carbohydrate digestive enzymes such as carbohydrate digestive enzymes. It can be beneficial for heart health, digestive system health, aid in weight loss, and not only can be used to fight cancer but also boost immunity. ”
Diabetes mellitus has become an epidemic that has affected millions of people worldwide including India over the past few decades. The rapidly evolving field of various nanomaterials and nanodevices using AgNPs has increased the possibility of early diagnosis and effective treatment, said Reena Lawrence, an associate professor who oversaw the research.
“Nanotechnology is a discipline that deals with material properties in the nanoscale and offers novel techniques for the detection, treatment and prevention of diseases. It’s used as medicine, and even has uses in the drug industry and nanomedical drug delivery, ”she explained.
