Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Psoralea corylifolia Seed and Their Incorporation into an Herbal Topical Gel

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to develop silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Psoralea corylifolia (Babchi) seed extract and incorporate them into a topical herbal gel for antimicrobial and antioxidant applications. METHODS: AgNPs were synthesized via a green bottom-up method using P. corylifolia seed extract and silver nitrate, monitored by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The nanoparticles were characterized using FTIR, SEM, and XRD. Herbal gels containing AgNPs were prepared and evaluated for physicochemical parameters, drug release, antibacterial activity, and antioxidant potential. RESULTS: The synthesized AgNPs were stable, spherical, and well-dispersed with an average size of ~100 nm. The developed gels showed uniform appearance, good spreadability, skincompatible pH (6.6-6.8), and high viscosity. In vitro release studies demonstrated that the AgNP-loaded gel followed first-order kinetics with sustained drug release. Antibacterial testing revealed significant inhibition against Propionibacterium acnes, while antioxidant assays confirmed enhanced radical-scavenging activity compared to control formulations. DISCUSSION: The findings confirm that P. corylifolia phytochemicals acted as both reducing and stabilizing agents in AgNP synthesis, producing stable nanoparticles suitable for dermal formulations. The synergistic antibacterial and antioxidant properties indicate potential therapeutic advantages over conventional treatments. CONCLUSION: Green-synthesized AgNPs from P. corylifolia seeds were successfully incorporated into a stable topical gel with promising antimicrobial, antioxidant, and sustained-release properties. These results highlight the potential of herbal nanogels as eco-friendly and effective alternatives for dermatological applications, though further in vivo and clinical studies are needed for validation.