The potential of traditionally used medicinal plants for the synthesis of selenium nanoparticles

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have the potential to be used in many applications. In recent years green synthesis using plant extracts has gained popularity, due to the use of non-toxic solvents. In this work, the application of plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.), yarrow (Achilea millefolium L.) and nettle (Urtica dioica L.) in the synthesis of SeNPs is presented. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized in terms of size and antioxidant activity. A strong correlation between the dimensions of synthesized nanoparticles and their ability to scavenge hydroxyl radicals was established.