<p>Metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) have emerged as promising agents for drug delivery and therapeutic applications due to their unique physicochemical properties. However, their widespread use is limited by intrinsic toxicity arising from their metallic nature and their potential to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can trigger inflammatory signalling pathways and aggravate immune responses. Conventional anti-inflammatory drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) also pose risks of adverse effects, emphasizing the need for safer alternatives. Recently, green synthesis approaches utilizing plant extracts and biological materials have gained attention for producing MNPs with enhanced biocompatibility and reduced toxicity. This review discusses the dual role of MNPs such as AgNPs, ZnO NPs, CuO NPs, TiO₂ NPs in biomedical applications, their associated inflammatory and toxic effects, and highlights the green modification strategies aimed at mitigating these risks. The application of green-synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) shows significant promise in attenuating inflammation through modulation of immune pathways, that may offer a safer and more effective platform for anti-inflammatory therapy.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>