Green Synthesis of Iron Nanoparticles Using Ficus benghalensis Stem Extract and its Biomedical Applications

Purpose: This study aimed to synthesize iron nanoparticles (Fe NPs) using Ficus benghalensis Stem (FBS) extract and explore their biomedical applications, focusing on their enzyme inhibitory effects and in-vivo pharmacological properties. Methods: Iron nanoparticles were synthesized using FBS extract, which acted as a capping and stabilizing agent. The synthesized Fe NPs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The inhibitory effects of FBS extract and Fe NPs were assessed against urease, α-glucosidase, carbonic anhydrase II (CA II), and xanthine oxidase (XO). In addition, in-vivo pharmacological effects such as analgesic and sedative activities were evaluated. Results: SEM analysis showed spherical Fe NPs with an average size of 41 nm. The FBS extract effectively capped and stabilized the nanoparticles. The Fe NPs exhibited superior inhibitory effects compared to FBS extract across all enzyme targets, including 84.01% inhibition against urease, 69.01% inhibition against α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 82.09 µM), 91.02% inhibition against CA-II (IC₅₀ = 0.16 µM), and 72% inhibition against XO. In-vivo studies showed dose-dependent analgesic effects, with Fe NPs (10 mg/kg) achieving 82% inhibition and FBS extract (100 mg/kg) achieving 73%. Both samples also exhibited statistically significant sedative effects (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Ficus benghalensis Stem extract and its synthesized Fe NPs demonstrate promising potential for biomedical applications, including notable enzyme inhibitory and pharmacological activities. The study highlights the efficacy of Fe NPs in enhancing therapeutic properties, suggesting potential applications in drug development and disease management.