Abstract

Present investigation aimed to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles using methanol leaf extract of Andrographis paniculata and screen those for anticancer activity. The synthesized nanoparticles were confirmed through color transformation and surface plasmon resonance. Size and morphology of the nanoparticles were characterized using scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive X-ray. Stability of silver nanoparticles was detected using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. Reddish-brown appearance and ultraviolet absorption at 468 nm confirmed the presence of silver nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that the silver nanoparticles were spherical with a size ranging from 18-70 nm. Fourier-transform infrared spectra of silver nanoparticles showed peaks corresponding to the functional groups C=O, -C=C, C-H, which indicated that the synthesized silver nanoparticles were stable. Anticancer activity of Andrographis paniculata methanol leaf extract silver nanoparticles was tested against neuroblastoma cells and normal Vero cells using the MTT assay. Andrographis paniculata methanol leaf extract and its nanoparticles showed anticancer activity against neuroblastoma cells with IC₅₀ value of 32 and 60 µg/ml, respectively. The nanoparticles and leaf extract were not cytotoxic to Vero cell lines (CC₅₀ value of 329.29 and 368 µg/ml). The silver nanoparticles of methanol extract of Andrographis paniculata leaves could be a potential anticancer agent against neuroblastoma cells.