Biochemical Characterization, Antimicrobial Potency, and Metallic Nanoparticle Generation from Tridax procumbens Extracts

Abstract

Several studies have mainly focused primarily on seeking promising ways to solve major human diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neuro-degenerative disease. In the quest for new antimicrobial and modifications of existing ones, interestingly, medicinal plants have emerged as the preferred and safest source of various medicines, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Plants and their bio-active compounds hold potential as antimicrobial agents to combat these diseases and are pioneers in the discovery of new medicines. Tridax procumbens is a highly promising species that produces secondary metabolites that have been reported to possess a variety of medicinal uses, including anti-anemic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anesthetic properties. This species has a long history of traditional use by different communities. This study aimed to investigate the medicinal properties of phytochemicals constituents and other biochemical components. The phytochemical screening, Vitamin C content antioxidants and antimicrobial properties as well as green synthesis of three metallic nanoparticles of the Tridax procumbens leaf extracts were determined using standard analytical procedures. The extracts of the leaves was found to contain medicinal important phytochemical constitutes; strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The metallic nanoparticles were characterized with FTIR peaks around 4000, 3705, 2777, 1800, 1500 cm-1for AgNP, CuNP and ZnNP. Both the plant extracts and all the nanoparticles exhibited maximum inhibitory activity against the tested pathogens. Based on the results obtained in this study, this species could potentially serve as an effective, safe, and affordable source of treatment of certain ailments and drug development against major human diseases that pose threats worldwide.