Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity of Silver Nanoparticle Loaded Curcuma Extract Collected from Sarguja District of Chhattisgarh

The antibacterial potential of silver nanoparticle-loaded extracts and crude extract from three Curcuma species (C. longa, C. caesia, and C. aromatica), collected from sarguja district Chhattisgarh, India, was evaluated. These species, known for their phytochemical richness, were used to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) via a green synthesis method. The nanoparticles were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), EDX and FTIR confirming an average size of 20–50 nm with a spherical morphology, elements and functional groups. Antibacterial activity was assessed against Bacillus circulence, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Raulstonia eutropha and Bacillus subtilis using the agar well diffusion method. The zone of inhibition (ZOI) varied significantly depending on the plant species, extracts, and bacterial strain. C. caesia AgNPs exhibited the highest antibacterial activity with ZOI values ranging from (19–26 mm) in different bacterial strains, while C. longa showed moderate activity (14–25 mm). C. aromatica demonstrated the least effectiveness, with ZOI values of 13–23 mm. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values ranged from 12.5 to 50 µg/mL, indicating high efficacy of the synthesized AgNPs. The highest antibacterial activity was observed in C.caesia potentially due to variations in soil composition and phytochemical content. Phytochemical analysis revealed higher curcuminoid and other flavonoid content in these samples, which may have enhanced nanoparticle synthesis and bioactivity. The results suggest that AgNPs synthesized from Curcuma species possess potent antibacterial properties, making them promising candidates for developing natural antibacterial agents. Further studies are required to optimize synthesis conditions and explore mechanisms of action. This study highlights the value of integrating nanotechnology with traditional medicinal plants to combat bacterial resistance.