A novel green synthesis of cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles using latex of Calotropis procera via simple precipitation method at room temperature was investigated. An extensive characterization of the product was carried out using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV-Visible spectroscopy. The results of the characterization confirmed that the synthesized nanomaterial is highly dispersed. TEM analysis revealed that the nano particles are having an average size around 10 nm. The eco-toxic investigation suggested that the particles are non-toxic and safe towards the environment. This green strategy proves to be an effective, fast, simple and cost-effective approach for the synthesis of Co3O4 nanoparticles for various applications. (C) 2018 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.