Antidiabetic activity of phytosynthesized Ag/CuO nanocomposites using Murraya koenigii and Zingiber officinale extracts

The synthesis of nanomaterials using the existing physical and chemical methods lead to the adsorption of toxic chemicals on the surface of nanomaterials, which may causes adverse effects on medicinal applications, in addition to the environmental degradation. To overcome the drawbacks of physical and chemical methods, different eco-friendly approaches using enzymes, proteins, microorganisms and plant materials have been employed for the synthesis of nanomaterials. In this paper, we present the phytosynthesis of Ag/CuO nanocomposites (NCs) using Murraya koenigii and Zingiber officinale green extracts containing unique metabolites. The silver and copper oxide nanoparticles, and Ag/CuO NCs were also synthesized by chemical method for the purpose of comparison with phytosynthesized Ag/CuO NCs. The phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of active phytoconstituents in the Murraya koenigii and Zingiber officinale extracts. The in vitro antidiabetic activity with α-amylase, α-glucosidase and glucose-6-phosphatase enzymes, and glucose uptake assay displayed higher activity for the phytosynthesized Ag/CuO NCs. In addition, Zingiber officinale extract mediated Ag/CuO NCs exhibited higher antidiabetic activity when compared to the rest of the synthesized nanomaterials due to the existence of higher level of phytoconstituents in the extract. [Display omitted] •Ag/CuO nanocomposites were synthesized using plant sources.•TEM analysis confirmed the dispersion of silver into CuO nanoparticles.•Antidiabetic activity was analysed by α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes.•Glucose uptake assay was carried out against 3T3-L1 adipocyte cells.•The NCs synthesized using Zingiber officinale extract exhibit highest activity.