<i>Tinospora cordifolia</i> - A Future Green Material for Copper Oxide Nanoparticle-based Drug, Reduces the Risk of Diabetes and Cancer

Background: Copper nanoparticles (CuONPs) have garnered significant attention for their unique properties and potential applications in agriculture, medicine, and environmental science. Using eco-friendly methods, the stem extract of Tinospora cordifolia, a medicinal plant known for its bioactive compounds, can act as a reducing agent for CuONP synthesis. This approach minimises environmental impact while leveraging the plant’s inherent medicinal properties. Aim: To synthesise and characterise CuONPs using T. cordifolia stem extract and evaluate their agricultural, anti-diabetic, and anticancer applications. Methods: Copper nanoparticles were synthesised using T. cordifolia stem extract. UV-visible spectroscopy identified the characteristic plasmon resonance peak at 300 nm, while X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) confirmed the crystalline structure of CuONPs. Fourier Transmission Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated the stabilization of CuONPs by biomolecules. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) revealed an approximate size of 100 nm in one dimension. Applications included hydroponic lettuce growth enhancement, anti-diabetic activity (via α-glucosidase inhibition), and anticancer efficacy (via MTT assay on MCF-7 cell lines). Results: The CuONPs improved lettuce growth under hydroponics by enhancing moisture content, leaf length, and plant weight at a concentration of 25 mg/L. In biomedical studies, CuONPs exhibited significant anti-diabetic activity with an IC50 value of 95.42 μg/mL and potent anticancer activity with an IC50 value of 35.51 μg/mL against MCF-7 cells. Conclusion: Biogenic CuONPs synthesised using T. cordifolia demonstrate promising multifunctional applications. Their eco-friendly synthesis, agricultural benefits, and biomedical efficacy suggest they are a sustainable and versatile nanomaterial for future use. Major Findings: CuONPs synthesized using Tinospora cordifolia stem extract enhanced hydroponic lettuce growth, exhibited anti-diabetic activity (IC50: 95.42 μg/mL), and demonstrated potent anticancer effects (IC50: 35.51 μg/mL) against MCF-7 cells, highlighting their multifunctional potential.