Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra) Calyx Wastes as a Promising Anthelmintic Agent Against Poultry Pathogen Raillietina spp.

Abstract

In this study, we explore the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using calyx wastes from Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) and evaluate their anthelmintic potential against poultry pathogen Raillietina spp. The ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐vis) spectrum of nanoparticles showed an absorbance peak at 425 nm, confirming AgNP formation. Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR) analysis indicated the presence of functional groups responsible for reducing silver ions, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the crystallinity of the nanoparticles. Dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) analyses were used to measure the size (20–50 nm) and morphology (spherical) of the synthesized AgNPs. The dose‐dependent in vitro anthelmintic efficacy was highest at 125 μg/ml of AgNPs, resulting in paralysis and death within 0.54 and 1.29 hours, respectively, while untreated control parasites survived for ~72 hours. The SEM micrographs of the treated parasites showed swelling and blebbing of the tegument. Histochemical localization studies showed a remarkable decline of tegumental and neurotransmitter enzymes involved with the parasite's metabolism and regulation of the endogenous physiological processes. This study underscores the potential of okra calyces in the green synthesis of AgNPs and provides a novel approach to developing alternative anthelmintics that interfere with the host‐parasite interface.

Full text

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Abelmoschus
esculentus (Okra) Calyx Wastes as a Promising Anthelmintic
Agent Against Poultry Pathogen Raillietina spp.
Rima Majumdar[a] and Pradip Kumar Kar*[a]
In this study, we explore the synthesis of silver nanoparticles
(AgNPs) using calyx wastes from Abelmoschus esculentus (okra)
and evaluate their anthelmintic potential against poultry
pathogen Raillietina spp. The ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spec-
trum of nanoparticles showed an absorbance peak at 425 nm,
confirming AgNP formation. Fourier transform infrared spectro-
photometry (FTIR) analysis indicated the presence of functional
groups responsible for reducing silver ions, and X-ray diffraction
(XRD) patterns confirmed the crystallinity of the nanoparticles.
Dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning and transmission
electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) analyses were used to
measure the size (20–50 nm) and morphology (spherical) of the
synthesized AgNPs. The dose-dependent in vitro anthelmintic
efficacy was highest at 125 μg/ml of AgNPs, resulting in
paralysis and death within 0.54 and 1.29 hours, respectively,
while untreated control parasites survived for ~72 hours. The
SEM micrographs of the treated parasites showed swelling and
blebbing of the tegument. Histochemical localization studies
showed a remarkable decline of tegumental and neurotransmit-
ter enzymes involved with the parasite’s metabolism and
regulation of the endogenous physiological processes. This
study underscores the potential of okra calyces in the green
synthesis of AgNPs and provides a novel approach to develop-
ing alternative anthelmintics that interfere with the host-para-
site interface.
1. Introduction
Nanotechnology stands as a highly promising domain, revolu-
tionizing the landscape of medical treatments. The controllable
size, exceptional stability, versatile functionality, and high sur-
face-to-volume ratio of nanoparticles offer a profound potential
for improving therapeutic efficacy through enhanced bioavail-
ability and precise targeting, thereby augmenting overall treat-
ment outcomes.[1] However, it is imperative to acknowledge the
environmental and health-related challenges associated with
chemical- and physical-based methodologies employed for
nanoparticle synthesis. These conventional approaches often
entail the use of toxic chemicals, which not only raise environ-
mental concerns but also pose significant risks to human
health.[2,3] Recent studies have explored new methods for
synthesizing nanoparticles that align with environmental
sustainability and human safety.[4,5] Notably, the emergence of
green synthesis techniques for metallic nanoparticles, including
gold, silver, zinc, and others, derived from natural sources such
as plants and microorganisms represents a sustainable and eco-
friendly alternative.[6,7] Particularly, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)
have shown potential for broader spectrum activity and are
effective against drug-resistant strains of microorganisms.[8]
Recent progress in the green synthesis of AgNPs and under-
standing of the associated potentials, such as antibacterial,
antifungal, and antidiabetic, validate the need to use different
plant sources to prepare therapeutics.[9–11]
Abelmoschus esculentus (A. esculentus), widely found
throughout the world, has been used in traditional ethno-
medicine in many cultures and passed down through gener-
ations to treat various health conditions. Okra pods have been
conventionally used to treat respiratory ailments such as
asthma[12] and digestive disorders such as diarrhea and gastro-
intestinal inflammation.[13] Numerous reports have highlighted
its significant effect on treating conditions such as arthritis and
joint pain, promoting cardiovascular health through cholester-
ol-lowering effects, and helping manage blood sugar levels.[14,15]
Kombaiah et al. have shown the significantly high antimicrobial
activity of okra extract-assisted CoFe2O4nanoparticles against
bacterial and fungal strains.[16] Interestingly, okra-derived chito-
san and silver nanoparticles have been effective against multi-
drug-resistant Salmonella typhimurium.[17] The antimicrobial
activities of okra plants have been attributed to several
bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, polyphenols, and
tannins.[18] Okra polysaccharides-derived silver nanoparticles
have also been used in developing multifunctional devices,
sensing temperature, humidity and mechanical strain.[19] Other
okra extract-assisted metallic nanoparticles, such as zinc,
titanium, nickel, and copper nanoparticles, have been inves-
tigated for a range of applications, including reduction of crude
oil viscosity, serving as biodiesel fuel and functioning as
photocatalytic, cytotoxic and antibacterial agents.[20–23] Despite
rigorous research on the roots, leaves, flowers, fruits (pods),
seeds and mucilage of A. esculentus, calyx wastes have never
been studied.[24] Okra calyx, often discarded, harbors untapped
potential for value-added products due to its rich bioactive
[a] R. Majumdar, P. Kumar Kar
Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Cooch Behar
Panchanan Barma University, Panchanan Nagar, Vivekananda Street, ,
Cooch Behar 736101, West Bengal, India
E-mail: karpradip@gmail.com
Wiley VCH Montag, 07.10.2024
2438 / 371738 [S. 28/38] 1
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Research Article
doi.org/10.1002/slct.202403378