Prospective applications of biogenic silver nanoparticles by Moringa oleifera: Apoptosis induction, HT-29 cell cycle arrest, microbial growth inhibition and immune cell activation

Objective(s): Moringa oleifera plant is native to several countries and being used in traditional medicine. This study aimed to investigate the effects of M. oleifera leaves acetone extract (MOLAExt), with or without nanoparticles of silver (AgNPs) on cancer cells, bacteria, immune cells and antioxidant activities. Materials and Methods: MOLAExt was used to prepare AgNPs. AgNPs were characterized by UV-Vis-NIR, XRD and SEM. Functional groups, sugars, reactive oxygen species and proteins in the extract were explored and the biological properties were tested. Results: Results demonstrated that AgNPs were of 59 nm in diameter. MOLAExt contained active biomolecules and ROS but no sugars and proteins were detected. MOLAExt and MOLAExt+AgNPs caused a moderate antibacterial action, an increase in apoptotic cells number and in p53 protein expression, and arrested HT-29 colon cancer cell line at G2/M phase, stimulated splenocytes growth and had antioxidant activity.Conclusion: MOLAExt and MOLAExt+AgNP caused apoptosis in cancer cells and stimulated immune cells suggesting that it can be used as anticancer agents.