Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles using Artemisia absinthium leaf extract and Evaluation of its Antibacterial and Antioxidant activities

Artemisia absinthium L. belongs to the Family, Asteraceae and it has been used traditionally in the treatment of malaria, gastrointestinal disorder, worm infestation, wounds, fever and haemorrhoid. The aim of this research was to formulate silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of Artemisia absinthium leaves extract using the biological method. The green synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM). The synthesis of AgNPs was confirmed by the UV–vis absorption spectra with an absorption band at 420nm. The morphology of formulated AgNPs was smooth and spherical with an average particle size of 74nm. FTIR spectroscopy showed characteristic functional groups which played a vital role in the synthesis and stability of the AgNPs. The crystallite size was 6.84nm, with three (3) intense peaks at 2θ angles of 38°, 45° and 65°. The result of the antioxidant assay showed that the free radical scavenging activity of the synthesized AgNPs was significantly greater than that of the extract (P<0.05). The antimicrobial studies showed an average zone of inhibition of 8.53mm and 5.97mm for the AgNPs and the leaf extract respectively which indicated significant antibacterial activity against both gram positive and negative bacteria used in the study (P<0.05). Artemisia absinthium silver nanoparticles were successfully synthesized in this study using the green synthesis method. The formulated AgNPs demonstrated significant antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.