Nanoscience and Nanotechnology are attracting a lot of interest nowadays due to their unique characteristics and wide range of applications. Plant materials are especially interesting in the synthesis and production of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Various plants have been highlighted in this article for the green synthesis of AuNPs in faster and more efficient manner than using conventional methods. A number of reaction variables, including concentration of gold precursor and plant extract, is found to affect the synthesis, characterization, and uses of AuNPs. The morphological characteristics of synthesised AuNPs need to be assessed in order to determine their potential in biomedical applications. With a focus on research from the last five years, the purpose of this study is to review and highlight the utilisation of green synthesis techniques mainly from various medicinal plant extract for the production of AuNPs. Current research of plant mediated AuNPs having potential of antimicrobial, antitoxic and anticancer activities has also been explored.