In vitro Anti-inflammatory, Anti-diabetic and Anticancer Properties of Copper Nanoparticles Synthesized by Medicinal Plant Leucas aspera (Willd)

Abstract

Introduction: The present study focuses on the use of Leucas aspera aqueous extract as a reduction agent for the synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs). The entire plant is employed in conventional medicine and as an insecticide. Scientific research has been done on the plant's potential as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and wound-healing agent. Intoxication by cobra venom also makes use of it. This study was intended to explore the in vitro anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and anticancer activities of copper nanoparticles. Methods: Protein denaturation and membrane stabilization of human red blood cells (HRBC) were used to assess the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. The antidiabetic activity of the CuNPs was evaluated by inhibiting both amylase and glucosidase in vitro, whereas anticancer activity against vero and MCF-7 cell line. Results: The Leucas aspera copper nanoparticles (LACuNPs) showed a dose dependent -inflammatory activity. The highest inhibition percentage in protein denaturation is 70.30±1.72% and 67.68±1.41% in HRBC membrane stabilization at 1000µg/ml concentration. In vitro antidiabetic activity exhibited 76.03 ± 1.14 of α-amylase and 71.54 ± 1.55 at α-glucosidase inhibition assay. The in vitro anti-cancer study revealed 50% apoptosis (IC₅₀) of LACuNPs treated vero and MCF7 are displayed as 248.84±0.01 µg/ml and 137.39±1.51, respectively. Conclusion: The results clearly demonstrated the application of biosynthesized LACuNPs as potential anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anticancer agents in addition to their environmental friendliness.