Green synthesis and physical characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) derived from the methanol extract of Euphorbia dracunculoides Lam. (Euphorbiaceae) with enhanced biosafe applications

Euphorbia dracunculoides Lam. possesses significant biological potential due to its rich bioactive compounds. To enhance this potential, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized using the methanolic extract of E. dracunculoides, exploiting ZnO NPs’ superior physiochemical properties and bioavailability. The synthesis of ZnO NPs was confirmed through UV–Vis spectroscopy (with an absorption maximum at 368 nm), X-ray diffraction (crystalline nature), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (functional groups involved in Zn²⁺ reduction), scanning electron microscopy (rod-shaped and triangular morphologies, average size 79 nm), and EDX (presence of Zn and O). The ED-ZnO NPs exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity against U87 cells (IC50: 229.51 µg·mL−1) and anti-leishmanial activity against Leishmania tropica promastigotes (IC50: 9.11 µg·mL−1). Additionally, in vivo studies demonstrated significant antihyperlipidemic effects, with decreased cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein levels, and increased high-density lipoprotein levels. ED-ZnO NPs also normalized alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, total bilirubin, creatinine, urea, and glucose levels compared to controls. Overall, ED-ZnO NPs effectively enhance the bioactive compounds’ efficacy in treating various disorders.