Green synthesized metal nanoparticles as nanomedicine - A review

Nanotechnology has evolved as a promising tool in the field of medicine with increasing use of nanoparticles for the treatment of infectious diseases, oxidative stress related diseases and neurological diseases and cancer. Nanoparticles have new improved properties as compared to bulk material and these novel properties are because of variation in specific characteristics such as size and shape, distribution and morphology of the particles. Metal nanoparticles like silver, gold and zinc find extensive applications in field of nanomedicine. These metal nanoparticles offer a new and novel approach to tackle the problem of several health related diseases. Synthesis of nanoparticles with the help of plant extracts are considered as green, economic, environment friendly and viable method at a large scale synthesis. The present review describes the green synthesis of metal nanoparticles especially gold, silver and zinc; their characterization, their antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic properties and mechanism of action.