The growing challenge of drug-resistant pathogens has forced the urgent need for natural and sustainable antimicrobial alternatives. This research explores the green chemistry-based synthesis of zinc oxide quantum dots (ZnO-QDs) employing the ethanolic root extract of Brassica rapa (L.) to assist their formation and stabilization. Characterization of ZnO-QDs confirmed their hexagonal crystalline structure with a nanoscale size (0.8–2.6 nm) and their good stability. GC/MS assay identified β-phenylethyl isothiocyanate and hydroquinone as the main antimicrobial compounds in the essential oil, while LC-ESI-TOF-MS profiling pinpointed the existence of glucosinolates, flavonoids, and phenolic acids as potential active compounds contributing to nanoparticle formation and antimicrobial potential. The combination of B. rapa essential oil and ZnO-QDs exhibited the strongest antibacterial and antifungal activity among the all investigated samples, showing the highest inhibition against Listeria monocytogenes (30.5 mm), Aspergillus niger (20.5 mm), and Fusarium verticillioides (18.2 mm). Molecular docking revealed powerful binding affinities of key phytochemicals to fungal sterol demethylase CYP51B and bacterial DNA gyrase 2, reinforcing their antimicrobial activity. The study’s outcomes reveal that B. rapa-derived ZnO-QDs could be a novel, eco-friendly antimicrobial agent for controlling food spoilage bacteria and mycotoxigenic fungi in food products. Future research should focus on in-vivo efficacy and biocompatibility to fully utilize their potential in food preservation, the pharmaceutical industry, and biomedicine.

Medicinal plants are widely recognized as an important source for a huge number of potentially bioactive chemical constituents which developed as drugs with precise pharmacological activities. Family Brassicaceae (Cruciferae or mustard family) is one of the most important families in plant kingdom and medical fields, which is served as a reservoir of nutraceuticals as vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, phytochemicals and antioxidants. We are focused on certain plants of family Brassicaceae, which are commonly consumed in Egypt (Brassica rapa subsp rapa, Eruca sativa L. and Raphanus sativus L.). These plants are considered a part of a traditional daily food for Egyptians. There were numerous studies that indicate the potential use of these plants. The present review was performed to give an updated, detailed and critical survey of the literatures, which have been reported on phytochemical constituents, traditional uses and biological activities of these plants in family Brassicaceae. Furthermore, this review aims to emphasize existing knowledge gaps and propose future research guidelines to explore novel bioactive compounds, comprehend their mechanisms of action, and assess their valuable therapeutic applications through innovative pharmacological and clinical studies.

This study aimed to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) via a green sustainable approach using Raphanus sativus (L.) root extract and evaluate their gastroprotective effect against ethanol-induced gastric injury in rats. ZnO-NPs were characterized through UV–Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, TEM, zeta potential analysis, and XRD. LC- MS-coupled metabolic profiling was employed to identify different phytochemical compounds in the plant. Oxidative stress biomarkers (GSSG, GPX, and CAT), gastric secretions (gastrin and histamine), inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and NF-κB), and molecular markers (MMP-10 and pERK1/2) were evaluated. Treatment with ZnO-NPs and plant extract restored antioxidant enzyme activity in a dose-dependent manner and decreased oxidative and inflammatory markers. Histopathological and histochemical analyses confirmed the protection of the gastric mucosa. The ZnO-NPs at (200 mg/kg), showed superior efficacy over the extract and, in some cases, displayed equivalent or enhanced effects relative to the reference drug omeprazole. In silico findings support the gastroprotective potential of the plant by demonstrating strong binding associations for major phytochemicals. This paper highlights that green-synthesized ZnO-NPs exhibit a significant gastroprotective effect through the modulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways, indicating their promise as a safe and effective alternative treatment for gastric ulcers.