Green synthesis methods for nanoparticles are preferred over chemical and physical methods due to their simplicity, cost reduction, and lower time and energy consumption. The present study aimed to synthesize biocompatible green zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO.NB) using the flower extract of Iranian hyssop (Nepeta bracteata Benth.) and to evaluate and compare their antioxidant and antibacterial effects with chemically synthesized ZnO nanoparticles. Based on the physicochemical analyses, ZnO.NB nanoparticles exhibited a hexagonal wurtzite structure, a spherical shape with an average size of 58.5 nm, and a surface charge of -19 mV. Biological studies demonstrated that ZnO.NB nanoparticles were safer and more biocompatible than ZnO nanoparticles. Moreover, the antioxidant properties of ZnO.NB were 3.5 times higher than those of ZnO nanoparticles. On the other hand, ZnO.NB nanoparticles showed lower antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria compared to ZnO nanoparticles. Therefore, incorporating plant extract during ZnO nanoparticle synthesis introduces new properties to these nanoparticles, potentially expanding their applications in various fields.

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