Bioactive potential and green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Cucurbita pepo leaves: Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities

Abstract
The present study investigates the phytochemical composition, vitamin content, and bioactive properties of Cucurbita pepo leaves, alongside their application in the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Ethanolic and acetone extracts of Cucurbita pepo leaves were analyzed for their total phenolic and flavonoid content, revealing significant antioxidant and metal-chelating activities, with ethanol proving to be the superior solvent. Chromatographic and spectrophotometric analyses identified a diverse profile of phenolic compounds and vitamins, including ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol. The green synthesis of AgNPs was achieved using these extracts, with nanoparticles characterized by UV-Vis, SEM, EDX, and XRD techniques, confirming their stability and crystalline structure. The synthesized AgNPs exhibited promising antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria, outperforming the crude extracts. This study highlights Cucurbita pepo leaves as a rich source of natural antioxidants, vitamins, and bioactive compounds with potential applications in nanotechnology with antimicrobial therapies.

Author
Rebaz Anwar Omer

DOI
https://doi.org/10.22034/crl.2025.541558.1677

ISSN
2645-4947

Publish Date: 30-Jan-2026