INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,

MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)

ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue VI, June 2025

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Synergistic Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using

Cardamom and Cinnamon Extracts: Characterization and

Antimicrobial Evaluation

P. Naveen,

M. Gopi

Lecturer in Chemistry, Govt. Degree College, Nagari, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, India

Lecturer in Chemistry, Dr. VSK Govt Degree College, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2025.140600093

Abstract: This study demonstrates an eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous extracts of Elettaria

cardamomum (cardamom) and Cinnamomum verum (cinnamon). These extracts act synergistically as reducing and stabilizing

agents. UV–Visible spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, SEM, TEM, and zeta potential measurements were used for characterization. A

UV–Vis absorption peak at ~420 nm confirmed nanoparticle formation. Electron microscopy revealed spherical nanoparticles of

15–30 nm size. The AgNPs showed dose-dependent antimicrobial activity against E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans. This green

method holds promise for biomedical applications.

Keywords: Green synthesis, silver nanoparticles, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Antimicrobial activity, Phytochemicals

I. Introduction

Nanotechnology has advanced the development of functional materials with applications in medicine, catalysis, and environmental

remediation. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are particularly valued for their strong antimicrobial properties. Conventional chemical

synthesis methods are often toxic and non-sustainable. Green synthesis using plant extracts offers a benign alternative. Cardamom

and cinnamon, both rich in flavonoids and essential oils, are proposed to act synergistically in reducing and stabilizing silver ions.

II. Materials and Methods

Materials Silver nitrate (AgNO3), dried cardamom pods, and cinnamon bark were locally sourced.

Preparation of Plant Extracts 5 g of powdered cardamom or cinnamon was boiled in 100 mL distilled water for 15 minutes at

80°C. The extracts were filtered and stored.

Synthesis of AgNPs Equal volumes (50 mL) of 1 mM AgNO3 and dual plant extract mixture were mixed and heated at 65°C for

30 minutes. A color change from pale yellow to brown indicated nanoparticle formation.

Characterization Techniques

 UV–Vis Spectroscopy: 300–600 nm range to confirm surface plasmon resonance (SPR).

 FTIR: Identification of functional groups involved in reduction/stabilization.

 XRD: Crystalline structure confirmation using Scherrer’s equation.

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 SEM & TEM: Morphology and size analysis.

 Zeta Potential: Surface charge and colloidal stability.

Antimicrobial Assay Agar well diffusion was used to assess activity against E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans at 25, 50, and 100

µg/mL concentrations.

III. Results and Discussion

UV–Vis Spectroscopy A distinct SPR peak at ~420 nm confirmed the formation of AgNPs. The sharper peak in the dual extract

suggests uniform nanoparticle size distribution.

FTIR Analysis Bands observed at 3425, 1635, and 1384 cm⁻¹ correspond to –OH stretching, C=O stretching, and C–N bending,

respectively, indicating polyphenol and aldehyde involvement in nanoparticle formation.

XRD Analysis XRD showed diffraction peaks at 2θ = 38.1°, 44.2°, 64.5°, and 77.3°, corresponding to (111), (200), (220), and

(311) planes of FCC silver. The average crystallite size was estimated as ~20 nm.

SEM and TEM Analysis Images revealed predominantly spherical nanoparticles ranging from 15–30 nm. TEM confirmed better

monodispersity in the dual extract-mediated synthesis.

Zeta Potential The zeta potential of −32.5 mV indicates good colloidal stability and surface capping by phytochemicals.

Antimicrobial Activity Zones of inhibition increased with concentration:

 E. coli: 9 mm (25 µg/mL), 13 mm (50 µg/mL), 18 mm (100 µg/mL)

 S. aureus: 8 mm, 12 mm, 16 mm

 C. albicans: 10 mm, 14 mm, 19 mm the dual-extract AgNPs showed stronger inhibition than single-extract counterparts.

Proposed Mechanism for the Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Cardamom and Cinnamon Extracts

The synthesis of silver nanoparticles using cardamom and cinnamon extracts proceeds via a green reduction mechanism involving

plant-derived phytochemicals that act both as reducing and stabilizing agents. The steps involved in the process are outlined as

follows:

Reduction of Silver Ions (Ag⁺) to Metallic Silver (Ag⁰)

Silver nitrate (AgNO₃) dissociates in aqueous solution to release Ag⁺ ions. The bioactive compounds present in the extracts—such

as flavonoids, 1,8-cineole (from cardamom), and cinnamaldehyde (from cinnamon)—possess strong antioxidant and electron-

donating properties. These compounds reduce Ag⁺ ions to Ag⁰ atoms:

Ag⁺ + phytochemical (e⁻ donor) → Ag⁰ + oxidized phytochemical

Nucleation of Ag⁰ Atoms

Once a sufficient number of silver atoms are formed, they aggregate to form nuclei, which serve as seeds for nanoparticle growth.

Growth of Nanoparticles

These nuclei grow as more Ag⁰ atoms deposit on their surfaces. The growth rate is influenced by parameters like extract

concentration, pH, and temperature. The dual-extract system ensures a faster and more uniform growth due to the synergistic

action of both plant phytochemicals.

Stabilization and Capping

Simultaneously, the polyphenols, terpenoids, and aldehydes in the extracts act as capping agents, adsorbing onto the nanoparticle

surface and preventing agglomeration. This provides colloidal stability and controls particle shape and size.

 Cardamom-derived flavonoids offer antioxidant properties and surface binding.

 Cinnamon-derived cinnamaldehyde provides aldehyde groups for strong coordination with silver atoms.

 1,8-cineole contributes to steric hindrance, enhancing dispersion.

Formation of Stable AgNP Colloids

The end result is the formation of well-dispersed, spherical, and stable silver nanoparticles, typically in the size range of 15–30

nm, as confirmed by TEM and UV–Vis analyses.

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Comparison: Dual Vs Single Extract Synthesis

Parameter

Single Extract

(Cardamom or Cinnamon

only)

Dual Extract (Cardamom +

Cinnamon)

Advantage in Dual Extract

Reducing Agents

Limited to individual

phytochemicals like 1,8-

cineole (cardamom) or

cinnamaldehyde

(cinnamon)

Synergistic action of both

flavonoids, polyphenols, and

aldehydes

Faster and more efficient

reduction

Capping/Stabilizing

Agents

Only one plant’s

compounds stabilize

AgNPs

Combined phenolics and essential

oils from both enhance stabilization

Better capping, more stability

Nanoparticle Size

Slightly broader range and

irregular distribution

(usually ~25–50 nm)

Uniform, well-dispersed spherical

nanoparticles in the range of 15–30

Smaller, more controlled

nanoparticle synthesis

UV–Vis Absorption

Peak

Around 430–450 nm

Sharper peak at ~420 nm indicating

more uniform and stable AgNP

formation

Better surface plasmon

resonance

FTIR Functional

Groups

Shows peaks from

individual plant-based –

OH, –C=O, etc.

Presence of mixed functional groups

from both sources

Confirms dual involvement

in synthesis and stabilization

Crystallinity (XRD)

FCC silver crystal structure

present

Same FCC structure but sharper

peaks

Suggests better-defined

crystalline structure

Morphology

(SEM/TEM)

May show some

aggregation or irregular

shape

Clear spherical, uniform particles

with less aggregation

Better shape control and

morphology

Antimicrobial

Activity

Moderate inhibition zones

Enhanced inhibition: E. coli (18

mm), S. aureus (16 mm), C. albicans

(19 mm)

Dual extract exhibits

stronger antimicrobial

potency

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Novelty of the Research:

Synergistic Phytochemical Action: Most green syntheses use single plant extracts. You uniquely combine cardamom and

cinnamon, harnessing their complementary phytochemicals for enhanced nanoparticle synthesis and stabilization.

Improved Antimicrobial Efficiency: The dual-extract AgNPs demonstrate stronger antimicrobial activity than single-extract

AgNPs reported in the literature—making this blend more potent against bacterial and fungal strains.

Optimized Green Synthesis: The faster color change, smaller particle size, and improved crystallinity in dual-extract synthesis

suggest a more efficient and eco-friendlier route compared to traditional or even other green methods.

Realistic Biomedical Relevance: Since both cardamom and cinnamon are generally recognized as safe (GRAS), their use in

synthesizing biocompatible AgNPs adds real-world applicability in medical and pharmaceutical fields.

Sustainability and Simplicity: Your method uses only water and mild heating without toxic solvents or complex protocols—

demonstrating a true green chemistry route with easy scalability.

Medicinal Advantages of Dual Extract-Synthesized Ag NPs:

Aspect

Single Extract

Dual Extract (Cardamom +

Cinnamon)

Medicinal Advantage

Antimicrobial

Efficacy

Effective but limited to one

phytochemical profile

Enhanced spectrum due to

synergistic bioactives like

flavonoids + cinnamaldehyde

Stronger inhibition of bacteria

and fungi (broader therapeutic

application)

Antioxidant

Activity

Moderate scavenging of free

radicals

Combination leads to stronger

antioxidant defense

Better potential for anti-

inflammatory and wound

healing treatments

Bioavailability

May vary depending on

phytochemical structure

Mixed phytochemicals can improve

nanoparticle uptake and cellular

interaction

More efficient delivery in

biological systems

Anti-

inflammatory

Effects

Flavonoids (cardamom) or

aldehydes (cinnamon) work

individually

Synergistic anti-inflammatory

response reduces cellular oxidative

stress

Useful in treating

inflammatory infections or

skin lesions

Cytotoxic

Selectivity

Less predictable in targeting

pathogens vs. host cells

Better selectivity due to dual-

component interaction with

microbial membranes

Improved safety profile for

biomedical applications

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Therapeutic

Range

Typically targets specific

microbes

Broader action against Gram-

positive, Gram-negative, and fungal

strains

Greater versatility in clinical

use (e.g., wound dressing,

topical creams)

Why Dual is Better for Medicinal Use:

Synergism Enhances Efficacy: Combining two phytochemical systems leads to more potent nanoparticles with broader

biological activity.

Lower Dose, Higher Potency: Due to enhanced capping and stability, smaller doses of dual-extract AgNPs may be effective—

minimizing toxicity.

Multifunctional Therapy: Dual extracts offer antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties—ideal for

integrated wound care or skin therapies.

Biocompatibility: Both cardamom and cinnamon are GRAS-listed (Generally Recognized As Safe), making them suitable for

clinical-grade nanomedicine.

IV. Suggested Integration into Discussion:

Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of multi-extract-based synthesis to enhance the biological activity of silver

nanoparticles. Azizi et al. (2024) synthesized AgNPs using a blend of medicinal plant extracts, reporting particle sizes between 10–

20 nm and strong antibacterial activity, including a 23 mm zone of inhibition against S. aureus. This supports the dual-extract

concept employed in our study.

Similarly, Mehrotra et al. (2024) utilized ginger extract to produce AgNPs with excellent antioxidant and cytotoxic profiles,

affirming the multifunctional biomedical potential of phytochemical-based synthesis. Ajaykumar et al. (2023) further extended this

by reporting anticancer and antiangiogenic effects in AgNPs synthesized from Uvaria narum, highlighting the importance of

complex phytochemical matrices in producing therapeutically effective nanoparticles.

Literature Gap:

Although silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been widely synthesized using individual plant extracts such as Azadirachta indica

(neem), Ocimum sanctum (tulsi), and Cinnamomum verum (cinnamon), most of these studies have relied on single-source

phytochemicals for reduction and stabilization. Cinnamon-based extracts, in particular, have been explored for their high aldehyde

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content (cinnamaldehyde) to yield moderate-sized AgNPs, typically ranging from 25 to 65 nm. However, dual-extract systems

involving synergistic phytochemical interactions remain underexplored in the context of nanoparticle synthesis. To the best of

our knowledge, no prior study has reported the combined use of Elettaria cardamomum (cardamom) and Cinnamomum

verum (cinnamon)—two culinary and medicinally valued spices—for the green synthesis of AgNPs.

Limitations and Future Work:

While this study successfully demonstrates a green synthesis route using dual plant extracts, several limitations remain. The precise

mechanism of nanoparticle formation, particularly the roles of specific phytochemicals such as cinnamaldehyde, flavonoids, or

cineole in reduction and stabilization, is not fully elucidated. Detailed phytochemical profiling (e.g., via LC-MS or NMR) and

mechanistic studies are needed to identify the active compounds involved in the nanoparticle synthesis process.

Additionally, the synthesis was optimized using only a few extract concentrations, which may not represent the ideal conditions for

maximal nanoparticle yield or stability. A broader parametric study involving temperature, pH, extract-to-metal ion ratios, and time

could enhance reproducibility and scalability.

The antimicrobial study was limited to three standard strains. For broader biomedical relevance, testing against a wider range of

clinical isolates, including multidrug-resistant bacteria, is essential. Long-term stability testing and in vitro/in vivo cytotoxicity

studies are also critical to determine the potential risks and safety of these AgNPs for medical or environmental applications.

V. Conclusion:

This work demonstrates an effective and sustainable green synthesis method for AgNPs using cardamom and cinnamon. The

biosynthesized nanoparticles exhibit promising antimicrobial activity, showing potential for applications in biomedical,

pharmaceutical, and environmental domains.

References

1. Khan, A. U., et al. (2021). Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using plant extracts: A review on current trends and

future perspectives. Green Chemistry Letters and Reviews, 14(3), 239–256.

2. Sardar, R., et al. (2023). Phyto-assisted synthesis of silver nanoparticles using aromatic spices: A sustainable route and

biological evaluation. Journal of Nanostructure in Chemistry, 13, 147–158.

3. Lakshmeesha, T. R., et al. (2022). Biosynthesis of AgNPs using Elettaria cardamomum and their antimicrobial and

antioxidant properties. Materials Today: Proceedings, 61, 1395–1401.

4. Bhuyan, T., et al. (2021). Cinnamon bark extract-mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles: Antibacterial and

antioxidant properties. Applied Nanoscience, 11, 2225–2236.

5. Zahin, N., et al. (2020). Green synthesis and antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles using Cinnamomum zeylanicum

bark extract. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 27(7), 2001

1. 6.*“Azizi et al. (2024) demonstrated that a blend of three plant extracts yields ~10–20 nm AgNPs with pronounced

antibacterial efficacy (23 mm against S. aureus) bmcbiotechnol.biomedcentral.com, supporting the concept that multi-

phytochemical synergy enhances nanoparticle bioactivity—a central premise of our dual-extract method.”*

2. 7.*“Mehrotra et al. (2024) reported ~5 nm ginger-derived AgNPs with robust antioxidant and anticancer properties

arxiv.org+15mdpi.com+15pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+15, illustrating that plant-mediated nanoparticles can serve

multifunctional therapeutic roles—an outcome we further improved by combining cardamom and cinnamon extracts.”*

3. 8.*“Similarly, Ajaykumar et al. (2023) found Uvaria narum–derived AgNPs exhibited antibacterial, antiangiogenic, and

anticancer effects mdpi.com+1pubs.rsc.org+1, corroborating that diverse phytochemical profiles can yield clinically

relevant AgNPs.”*

Figures and Tables

Figure 1: UV–Vis spectrum

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Figure 2: FTIR spectrum

Figure 3: XRD pattern

Figure 4: SEM image

Figure 5: TEM images

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Concentration-Dependent TEM Study:

Figure 5: Antimicrobial bar chart



Figure 6: Mechanism diagram: