Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles Using Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants and their Endophytes: Bridging Ayurveda, Crop Protection, and Nanomedicine

Biogenic synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) for therapeutic and agricultural applications is a newly emerging field of research called "Nano Ayurveda,"which has developed by the convergence of Ayurveda—the traditional Indian system of medicine—and modern nanotechnology. This review focuses on the green synthesis of metallic and metal oxide nanoparticles (Ag, Au, Cu, ZnO, and Se) using Ayurvedic medicinal plants— Azadirachta indica, Ocimum sanctum, Tinospora cordifolia, and Phyllanthus emblica—as well as their endophytes. The paper also highlights the detailed explanation of the biochemical pathways of synthesis, focusing how secondary metabolites (flavonoids, alkaloids, polyphenols, enzymes) acts as reducing and stabilising agents. The two main uses of green nano particles have been discussed. First in plant care where these nano wonders, act as safe nanopesticides, nanofertilisers, and growth boosters to help crops grow better become more resilient. Second, in medicine, they demonstrate powerful, anti cancer, microbial and targeted drug delivery properties (against A549, HeLa, MCF-7 lines). Finally, the critical aspects of safety, cytotoxicity, and the regulatory landscape, outlining future perspectives for the integration of green nanotechnology into sustainable global health and agriculture has been addressed.