Plant-derived compounds and their green synthesis in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals

Nanotechnology is an emerging technology with promising applications in the field of science. Advanced designs of nanoparticles (NPs) can work as a target drug therapy reducing systemic toxicity and this property of NPs can be a boon in many severe diseases. Despite all the advantages and potential to grow with numerous applications of NPs, there are still some challenges and risks associated with this technology that need to be addressed. The chemical process of NP synthesis incorporates the uses of hazardous and toxic chemicals which can cause environmental toxicity and carcinogenicity. These types of toxicity can be a major problem, and this can limit the synthesis of NPs. Therefore “green Synthesis” is a reliable biological approach to synthesize NPs. The biological production of NPs is known as green synthesis where eco-friendly alternatives are being used, for example, plants, fungi, bacteria and algae. Green synthesis is a sustainable development that can reduce the risk of hazardous and toxic chemical exposure to the environment. Numerous studies are being conducted to synthesize such biological NPs, materials for biological synthesis are easily available at low cost because of their being widely distributed in plants and their metabolites. Secondary metabolites are also used in the preparation of NPs, including terpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, etc. A new nano-based formulation has been designed by changing NP properties, and it can be used in nutraceutical and food industries in many preparations like nutritional supplements, and packaging products. This nano-based formulation may enhance pharmacological activity, bioavailability, stability, and solubility of pharmaceutical products. Hence, this chapter gives an overview of the latest research on development of NPs with green synthesis approach in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications with effective therapeutic formulation.