ABSTRACT In this study, CeO 2 NPs were successfully synthesized using Cannabis sativa L. seed extract, serving as an efficient capping agent, and evaluated for antibacterial and anticancer activity. GC‐MS analysis of the seed extract identified predominantly fatty acids and their derivatives. XRD and TEM analysis revealed that NPs exhibit a crystallite size of ∼4.86 nm, while TEM indicates an average particle size of 5.11 ± 0.12 nm. The NPs exhibit excellent colloidal stability as confirmed by zeta potential (−29.4 ± 6.92 mV) and hydrodynamic diameter (20.48 ± 1.13 nm). The NPs demonstrated broad‐spectrum antibacterial activity, with the largest zone of inhibition observed against Salmonella typhimurium (20.56 ± 1.33 mm). In comparison with extract alone, NPs showed enhanced anticancer activity in MCF‐7 breast cancer cells, with lower IC 50 values (24 h: 13.1 µg/mL; 48 h: 10.9 µg/mL), via mitochondrial‐mediated apoptosis. This was justified by an increased BAX/BCL2 ratio, activation of caspases ( CASP‐3 and CASP‐9 ), and downregulation of BCL2 and SOD2 . TNF‐α was suppressed, and IL‐10 was upregulated, indicating modulation of inflammatory pathways, while reduced p53 expression suggests a p53‐independent apoptotic mechanism.
Subbarayan et al. (Fri,) studied this question.