Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles: Future source of new drugs

Silver nanoparticles can be synthesized by various methods but biological synthesis by the use of plant extracts is the most preferred method since it is cost effective, environment friendly, non–toxic, does not require any sophisticated instrumentation and possess many therapeutic values especially antimicrobial efficacy. Silver nanoparticles exhibit very strong bactericidal activity against both Gram positive, Gram negative bacteria, fungi and cytotoxicity against cancerous cell line. In this work, a compilation is made of a number of promising plant synthesized silver nanoparticles and their antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxicity efficacy is enlisted. Their possible mechanism of action is also discussed.