Potential in vitro antibacterial and anticancer properties of biosynthesized multifunctional silver nanoparticles using Martynia annua L. leaf extract

L., a medicinal herb rich in secondary metabolites, serves as a sustainable source for synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). This study explores the eco-friendly production of AgNPs using aqueous leaf extract from and evaluates their biomedical applications. Characterization techniques including UV-Visible spectroscopy, FT-IR, SEM, TEM, and XRD confirm the spherical shape and FCC structure of the AgNPs, with a mean size of ∼11 nm and a surface charge of −24.4 mV. Biologically, the AgNPs exhibit potent antibacterial activity against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, with dosage-dependent inhibition zones. AgNPs exhibited zone of inhibition comparable to those of standard antibiotic, penicillin, against Gram positive bacteria ( 22.09 mm and 23.72 mm) and Gram negative bacteria (, 13.82 mm and , 14.81 mm). They demonstrate cytotoxicity against NIH 3T3 and MCF-7 cells, with IC of 23.46 μg mL and 19.15 μg mL in cytotoxicity and anticancer assays, respectively. Notably, fragmentation assays reveal smear formation, indicating potential for inducing apoptosis. The synthesized AgNPs from exhibit spherical morphology, moderate stability, and significant antibacterial and anticancer properties, suggesting their potential as versatile biomedical agents.