Synthesis of bioactive silver nanoparticles with eco-friendly processes using Heracleum persicum stem extract and evaluation of their antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer and apoptotic potential

Heracleum persicum, commonly called Persian hogweed, is widely used as a spice in Iran. H. persicum comprises many natural compounds which are used in the treatment of multiple disorders. H. persicum stem extract was used for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Hp-AgNPs) and their phytochemical contents and antioxidant, and anti-proliferative activities were evaluated against human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB231) in this study. We found an optimal reaction medium consists of 5% of stem extract and 2 mM of aqueous AgNO₃ solution. Characterization studies including UV–visible spectrophotometry at a range of 300-700 nm, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive Xray (EDX), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta potential, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) confirmed the optimal shape, size and stability of biosynthesized Hp-AgNPs. Results revealed that Hp-AgNPs contains higher TPC (Total Phenolic Content) and TFC (Total Flavonoid Content) and indicate a high level of antioxidant activity. The anticancer activity of Hp-AgNPs validated with inhibitory activity on growth of MDA-MB-231 cells. Results of Hp-AgNPs-treated MDA-MB-231 cells indicated an IC₅₀ value of 63.29 μg/mL at 48h. Results of this study provide a simple, rapid, non-toxic and eco-friendly protocol for biosynthesis of Hp-AgNPs, which could be used as an alternative approach for safe and simple synthesis of silver nanoparticles for biomedical applications.