Search

The use of biosynthesized metallic and bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) as biocides for plant protection has gained significant attention in recent years due to their potential for sustainable and ecofriendly crop protection. In this review article, we discussed the biosynthesis of metallic and bimetallic NPs using various biological sources such as plants, fungi, bacteria, and algae. We explore the plausible mechanisms behind the biocidal activity of these NPs, including their ability to disrupt cellular structures, inhibit enzyme activity, induce oxidative stress, and modulate plant defense responses. We also highlight the challenges and limitations associated with the use of biosynthesized NPs, including their potential toxicity to nontarget organisms, potential impact on soil health, and the need for standardized protocols for their synthesis and characterization. Additionally, we discuss the potential strategies for overcoming these challenges, including the use of biocompatible stabilizers, controlled release formulations, and targeted delivery systems. Overall, biosynthesized metallic and bimetallic NPs hold promise as effective biocides for plant protection, but further research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action, optimize their efficacy, and ensure their safe and sustainable use in agriculture. In addition to exploring the biocidal mechanisms and challenges of using biosynthesized metallic and bimetallic NPs for plant protection, this review also delves into the cost‐benefit analysis of their application in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional systems of medicine play a crucial role in maintaining healthcare. Herbal medicines are intact and less harmful to human beings than synthetic medicines. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemicals and in vivo hypolipidemic effect of chloroform extract of Lagenaria siceraria in Triton X-100 (100 mg/kg body weight) induced hyperlipidemic Wistar rats. The phytochemical characterization and estimation were performed on the base of the GC-MS approach. The Lagenaria siceraria extract (250 and 500 mg/kg bw) was administered orally to hyperlipidemic-induced rats for 7 days to examine its hypolipidemic activity. The experimental animals did not display any acute toxicity. Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg bw) was used as a standard drug. Administration of Lagenaria siceraria extract lowers the total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoproteins-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels whereas elevating the high-density lipoproteins-cholesterol (HDL-C) level. Histological studies of the liver and heart also showed the hypolipidemic effect of the extract. On the 8th day, no inflammation of the liver, myocardial necrosis, fibrosis, or atypia was seen. Furthermore, binding affinity and plausible binding mode of stigmastan-3-ol with HMG-CoA reductase were predicted by molecular docking studies which showed the same interaction patterns as atorvastatin. Moreover, the docking results were refined by 100 ns MD simulations which revealed that stigmastan-3-ol extract formed a stable complex with protein and did not induce any conformational changes in protein structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]