Green Synthesis of Mentha spicata L.-derived Silver Nanoparticles: Evaluation of Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Anticancer Potential against Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells.

INTRODUCTION

Mentha spicata L. (Lamiaceae) has been used in traditional medicine to cure indigestion, stomach aches, and diarrhea. This research aims to synthesize silver nanoparticles from aqueous extract of M. spicata and to investigate its antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities.

METHODS

The plant was extracted using maceration with water, and Mentha spicata-silver nanoparticles (MAgNPs) were prepared using a 5 mM silver nitrate solution. The antioxidant activity was assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays. Antibacterial analysis was done through the agar disk diffusion method. The anticancer potential was evaluated using the cytotoxicity and MTT assays.

RESULTS

The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids and other phenolic compounds. The aqueous extract and silver nanoparticles scavenged the DPPH and hydrogen peroxide free radicals, with IC50 values of 1.556 mg/mL and 1.695 mg/mL, respectively. The bacterial strains were susceptible to the extract and silver nanoparticles, with inhibitory zones ranging from 4 to 11 mm. The zeta analysis revealed a size of 70.08 nm and a potential of -13.17 mV. The XRD showed a crystalline structure of silver nanoparticles. The FTIR revealed a characteristic N-H stretching frequency. The extract and nanoparticles exhibited cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects in vitro against MDA-MB-231 cancer cells, with a significant difference among means (p < 0.05).

DISCUSSION: There is an urgent need to screen and standardize medicinal plants with medicinal benefits and less toxicity, which also serve as chelating agents in drug delivery.

CONCLUSION

The ability of the extract to scavenge free radicals and inhibit bacterial growth may be due to its chemical constituents. MAgNPs may be a viable option for potential application and development in cancer therapy.