In this study we consider the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) from the aqueous leaf extracts of Phyllanthus maderaspatensis, which, we demonstrate, is a highly potential herb for the biosynthesis of NPs. Ag NPs were effectively produced within 24 h and NPs were characterised using UV-visible spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Ag NPs of sizes ranging approximately between 59 and 76 nm were reported. Studies also indicated a gradual increase in the synthesis of NPs with time, thus proving the efficiency of P. maderaspatensis as an ideal catalyst in the formation of biologically synthesised phytonanoparticles. © 2014 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.