Therapeutic potential of green-synthesized ZnO from Azadirachta indica: a study on anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial activities

In this report, we used a cost-effective, green, and sustainable synthesis method for zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) using Azadirachta indica leaf extract. XRD results confirmed the hexagonal crystalline phase (average crystallite sizes 20–30.5 nm), FTIR identified the main functional groups, SEM revealed rod-like morphology, and EDX confirmed the elemental purity. The UV-vis spectra exhibited a blue shift, indicating a reduction in particle size and an increase in the bandgap. The in vitro and in vivo anti-diabetic activities of the prepared ZnO-NPs demonstrate an increase in glucose adsorption and promote glucose uptake by yeast cells. In diabetic mice, NPs reduced blood glucose levels (274–140 mg/dL), comparable to those of the standard drug (278–134 mg/dL). The heat-induced hemolysis and human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization assays were used to study the anti-inflammatory activity, showing inhibition rates ranging from 9.2% to 64%, consistent with those of the standard drug (12–67%). Antibacterial activity against E. coli bacteria using the well diffusion method (WDM) exhibited inhibition zones of up to 19.6 mm, comparable to the standard drug’s 21.6 mm. The overall findings of the study highlight the biomedical potential of ZnO-NPs using Azadirachta indica leaf extract. (Figure presented.)