Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part D (2025)

The present study reports the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous leaf extract of Costus igneus (insulin plant) and evaluates their antidiabetic potential through α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and proteins that acted as natural reducing and stabilizing agents in nanoparticle formation. Characterization by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, TEM, XRD, and zeta potential analysis confirmed the formation of stable, spherical, and crystalline AgNPs with strong functional group interactions. CI-AgNPs exhibited superior antioxidant activity in DPPH and FRAP assays compared to crude extracts. Enzyme inhibition studies revealed dose-dependent α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition, with CI-AgNPs showing higher efficacy than the plant extract but slightly lower than standard acarbose. In vivo studies using streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats demonstrated significant reduction in blood glucose, improved lipid profile, and protective histopathological changes. These findings highlight CI-AgNPs as promising eco-friendly nanotherapeutics for diabetes management.