Green Synthesis of Nano-Particles from Alstonia scholaris L. (Apocynaceae): Phytochemical Pathways to Environmental Sustainability

Alstonia scholaris (A. scholaris) L., known as Saptaparni in Hindi or the Devil Tree in English, has gained attention in recent years due to its potential in the green synthesis of nanoparticles. Nanoparticles (NPs) represent a noteworthy class of nanostructured materials with diverse applications in pharmacology, wastewater treatment, and pest management. Naturally occurring biomolecules and secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, alkaloids, triterpenes, and saponins facilitate environmentally friendly, one-step biosynthesis of biogenic NPs by acting as natural reducing and stabilizing agents. Studies indicated that silver and copper NPs synthesized from the bark and leaf extracts of A. scholaris exhibit significant pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiepileptic activities, while also exhibiting potential in dealing with environmental issues such as biological pest management and water pollution mitigation. In a nutshell, future researchers should focus on the mechanism of action, preclinical and clinical trials are required for toxicity and safety purposes. Life cycle assessment studies should be directed to assess the environmental impact of large-scale production, safeguarding association with green chemistry principles and contributing to sustainable development goals. . KEYWORDS :Alstonia scholaris, Environment, Green synthesised nano-particles, Phytochemistry, Sustainable development goal