*Author for correspondence JOURNAL OF NATURAL REMEDIES DOI: 10.18311/jnr/2024/36086 1. Introduction Nanoparticles, characterised by their atomic or molecular scale and dimensions below 100 nm exhibit distinctive physical and chemical properties in contrast to bulk materials, influenced by factors like size, shape and morphology. Classification of nanoparticles encompasses various types based on these parameters including distinctions between organic (e.g., dendrimers, liposomes and polymeric nanoparticles) and inorganic (e.g., fullerenes, quantum dots and metal nanoparticles) categories. Metal nanoparticles, particularly, have garnered significant attention for their diverse applications in catalysis, imaging, medicine, energy and environmental contexts 1,2 . Conventional methods for synthesising SHORT REVIEW Green Nanotechnology: How Plants Can Help Synthesise Nanoparticles for Biomedical and Environmental Purposes Mamta Kumari, Piyushkumar Sadhu * , Chitrali Talele and Niyati Shah Department of Pharmacy, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Piparia, Vadodara – 391760, Gujarat, India; piyush.sadhu@yahoo.in Abstract Nanoscale materials known as nanoparticles exhibit distinctive properties and functionalities owing to their minute size and expansive surface area. Employing plant extracts for nanoparticle synthesis represents an environmentally conscious and sustainable method that utilises natural resources as both reducing and capping agents. This comprehensive review presents the current state-of-the-art in the green synthesis of nanoparticles using plant extracts. It specifically explores the interplay between phytochemicals and metal ions, highlighting the impact of phytochemicals on various nanoparticle properties such as size, shape, morphology, crystal structure, elemental composition, surface charge and optical characteristics. The applications of these nanoparticles such as silver nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, zinc oxide nanoparticles etc. span diverse fields, including biomedical, environmental, catalytic, optical, electrical and magnetic applications. The review also addresses challenges and future directions in this burgeoning field, emphasising the necessity for standardisation and optimisation of synthesis parameters, elucidation of the synthesis mechanism and kinetics and exploration of functionalisation and potential applications. In conclusion, the green synthesis of nanoparticles using plant extracts emerges as a promising and evolving field with considerable potential for future research and development. Keywords: Gold Nanoparticles, Green Synthesis, Nanoparticles, Plant Extracts, Phytochemicals, Silver Nanoparticle Abbreviations: AgNPs, Silver Nanoparticles; AuNPs, Gold Nanoparticles; CuNPs, Copper Nanoparticles; ZnONPs, Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles. metal nanoparticles such as chemical and physical approaches, oſten involve hazardous substances, high energy input and the generation of toxic waste, raising environmental and health concerns. Consequently, there is a growing inclination towards developing eco-friendly and sustainable synthesis methods, utilising biological agents like plants, microorganisms, enzymes and biomolecules as reducing and stabilising agents 3 . Among these alternatives, plants and their extracts stand out due to their widespread availability, cost-effectiveness and ease of handling. Recognized as nature’s "chemical factories", plants produce an array of phytochemicals, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids and proteins, which serve as effective reducing and capping agents for metal nanoparticle synthesis 4 . e green synthesis Article Received on: 05.01.2024 Accepted on: 29.02.2024 Revised on: 27.02.2024