Pfaffia glomerata (Brazilian Ginseng) as a Green Source for Metallic Nanoparticle Synthesis: A Review

Abstract

The synthesis of metallic nanoparticles using plant extracts has attracted significant interest in the scientific community due to their unique properties, which can be applied across various fields, including health, agronomy, and food. Bioreduction, or green synthesis, can be performed using plant extracts containing alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids, which are responsible for reducing metal ions. However, the antimicrobial activity of nanoparticles is not yet fully understood; metal‑based nanoparticles, especially silver and gold, act through oxidative stress, ion release, and membrane damage rather than a single universal mechanism. Pfaffia glomerata contains distinctive bioactive compounds, such as β-ecdysone and phenolic constituents, which suggest a strong potential for use in nanoparticle synthesis; however, this application has not yet been experimentally demonstrated in the literature. This study aimed to conduct a literature review on "nanoparticles," "green synthesis," "plants ginseng," and "antimicrobial" in major scientific databases in a recent literature (2013-2025). The results of the reviewed studies demonstrated the use of Panax ginseng, Siberian ginseng, and red and black ginseng in the synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles, with potential applications as antimicrobials and anticancer agents. In conclusion, it is essential to conduct further research on the studied plant species, particularly those belonging to the Amaranthaceae family, to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms and reducing agents involved in the green synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles.