Synthesis and Characterization of Triphala-functionalized Gold Nanocomposite and its Anti-proliferative Implications against Liver Cancer.

Abstract

Liver cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide due to its abrupt proliferation and inadequate treatment. Developing novel and effective therapeutics against liver cancer has become a formidable challenge in the arsenal of biomedical research due to the limitations of conventional treatment strategies. Recently, natural product-based metal nanocomposites have emerged as promising candidates for targeted and biocompatible drug delivery. Herein, a Triphala-functionalized gold nanocomposite (t-AuNC) was synthesized employing Triphala extract and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as the precursors to enhance targeted delivery against liver cancer. Different analytical techniques, including TEM, DLS, UV-visible spectroscopy, XRD, zeta potential, FT-IR, and EDX analysis, were used to evaluate the synthesized nanocomposite, confirming its successful formation and stability. The MTT and SRB assays demonstrated the anti-proliferative implications of t-AuNC against the HepG2 cell line. Flow cytometry analysis confirms the induction of apoptosis in the HepG2 cell line by the t-AuNC. Antioxidant analysis using DPPH and ABTS assays showed significant radical scavenging activity of the t-AuNC. Furthermore, the t-AuNC also demonstrated notable anti-inflammatory properties validated by its protein denaturation inhibition. Collectively, these findings highlight that t-AuNC could be a contemporary and efficient medication for liver cancer therapy with minimized side effects.