The Antiproliferative and Antibacterial Effect of Moringa oleifera-Mediated Gold Nanoparticles: A Review

Abstract

South Africa’s (SA’s) mortality rates are increasing due to increased cancer diagnosis. In addition, bacterial infections are on the rise with increasing antibacterial resistance. Current chemotherapies and antibacterial agents are expensive with many side-effects; therefore alternative therapies are actively being investigated. A medicinal tree, Moringa oleifera (MO), is found throughout SA and used in traditional treatment of a variety of ailments including cancer and microbial infections. All parts of the tree are used for medicinal purposes including leaves, flowers, bark, seeds and seedpods (drumstick). The use of MO extracts has been beneficial for people across many communities as a food source in addition to its medicinal properties. Nanoparticles have a wide range of biomedical applications and are showing potential as anticancer and antibacterial agents. Their relative smaller size (1–100 nm) facilitates their mode of action against diseases. Nanoparticles are synthesised chemically or via plant extracts which are environmentally friendly and less toxic. MO can be used for nanoparticle synthesis such as gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using a one-pot green synthesis technique. Therapeutic applications of AuNPs have been assessed both in vitro and in vivo with positive outcomes. The review aims to discuss the therapeutic potential of AuNPs as anticancer and antibacterial agents.