Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Boerhavia diffusa plant and the potential of its antioxidant and anticancer efficacy

Nanotechnology, which involves manipulating materials at the nanoscale (1–100 nanometers), offers unique properties with broad applications. This study focuses on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Boerhavia diffusa extract (BD extract), a method that is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). The UV–visible spectroscopy results confirmed the formation of AgNPs with a characteristic peak at 427 nm. XRD analysis revealed a crystalline structure with an average crystallite size of 34 nm. FESEM images showed spherical nanoparticles ranging from 30 to 40 nm, while EDAX confirmed the presence of pure silver. The DPPH radical scavenging assay demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, with the AgNPs achieving 78.57 % scavenging efficiency in a concentration-dependent manner. Cytotoxicity studies on HeLa cells indicated significant anticancer potential, with a 64.12 % inhibition of cell growth at 100 μg/mL and an IC50 value of 45.47 μg/mL. Morphological observations of treated cells revealed apoptosis, marked by cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, and the formation of apoptotic bodies. These results highlight the potential of BD- mediated AgNPs in both antioxidant and anticancer applications, while also suggesting their use as eco-friendly nanoparticle-based insecticides. The study provides a sustainable approach to nanoparticle synthesis with promising implications for biomedical and agricultural fields.