Abstract
Allium cepa L (A. cepa) extract is frequently used as an adjuvant food in cancer treatment. We hypothesized that it contains a source of anticancer activity. There is a need to synthesize the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using an environment‐friendly green synthesis reduction method using an aqueous extract of A. cepa. The AgNPs‐CEPA were prepared by reduction method using the aqueous extract of A. cepa. The formed AgNPs‐CEPA were characterized for their sizes and charge distribution. The AgNP‐CEPA was investigated for its antioxidant and anticancer properties. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. Gene expression was evaluated by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), and apoptosis measurement was carried out by flow cytometry in AgNP‐CEPA‐treated cells. The results showed a uniform size for AgNPs‐CEPA of 155 ± 2.1 nm with a zeta potential of −37.3 ± (−2.92) mv. The produced AgNPs‐CEPA are biocompatible with anticancer action and a moderate level of antioxidant reactivity. AgNPs‐CEPA showed better reducing activity for A. cepa extract compared to the AgNPs‐CEPA. AgNP‐CEPA treatment of human colorectal cancer cell lines (HT‐29 and SW620) inhibited cell proliferation and altered Bcl2 family gene expression. Moreover, exposure of cell lines to AgNPs‐CEPA resulted in the significant induction of apoptosis compared to A. cepa and AgNO3. These findings indicate that AgNP‐CEPA induces apoptosis by inhibiting Bcl2 family gene expression, suggesting that this formula is a promising anticancer agent for treating colorectal cancer.
Highlights
Metallic agents are the preferred chemotherapeutic therapy agents for certain malignancies
The prepared AgNPs utilizing the aqueous extracts of the A. cepa showed a color change from dark green to light green, which indicated the formed nanosilver configuration due to Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) excitations of the AgNPs as reflected in the UV-vis spectrum of the product
For A. cepa, the aqueous extract color is white and it has been changed to olive yellowish color, which indicates AgNPCEPA formation (Figure 1)
Summary
Metallic agents are the preferred chemotherapeutic therapy agents for certain malignancies. Finding new and effective chemotherapeutic drugs has led to the development of conventional and alternative therapies derived from plants. The use of nanoparticles in delivery, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION), and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), is increasing [1, 2]. Metal incorporations, and tagged nanoentities are considered efficient anticancer treatments [4,5,6]. Several types of NPs are reported to be anticancer agents, such as gold nanoparticles, SPION, mesoporous nanosilica, and nanosilver [7, 8]. The biocompatible and biodegradable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are unique because of their chemical stability and pharmacological actions of anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal [9,10,11]. The AgNPs-based drugs have been tested against cancer cell lines [12], including human lung cancer cell lines A549 [13], KB cell lines [14], HT-29, HCT-116 and Caco-2 cell lines [15], HeLa and U937 cells [16], Hep-2 [17], prostate carcinoma cell lines (DU145), human ovarian carcinoma PC-3, SKOV3, human lymphocyte cells [18], neuroblastoma cells [19], human cervical cancer cells, prostate cancer, colon cancer COLO205 cell lines, and B16F10 mouse melanomas [20]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
