Green Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles from Vernonia cinerea: Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities in Colorectal Cancer (Caco-2) Cells

Introduction: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been widely studied for their antioxidant and anticancer properties. Vernonia cinerea has demonstrated significant antitumor activity, particularly in inhibiting the growth of colorectal cancer cells. This study aims to synthesize silver nanoparticles using Vernonia cinerea leaf extract and evaluate their antioxidant and anticancer efficacy against colorectal cancer cell lines. Methods: AgNPs were synthesized via the combustion method using Vernonia cinerea leaf extract. The nanoparticles were characterized for their physico-chemical and morphological properties using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), UV-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH assay, and anticancer potential was evaluated through cytotoxicity assays on CaCo2 colorectal cancer cells using varying concentrations of AgNO₀. Results: FTIR analysis revealed characteristic absorption bands at 664, 605, 557, 531, and 513 cm⁸¹, confirming the formation of silver ion-bound nanoparticles. XRD analysis showed Bragg’s reflections at 38.066°, 31.59°, 37.56°, 53.01°, 64.93°, and 76.27°, indicating crystalline structure. Elemental analysis confirmed a 60% silver ion composition. The synthesized AgNPs exhibited dose-dependent antioxidant activity and significant cytotoxic effects against CaCo2 cells. Discussion: The incorporation of Vernonia cinerea extract into AgNPs enhanced the stability and biological activity of the nanoparticles. The observed anticancer effects support previous findings on the therapeutic potential of both AgNPs and Vernonia cinerea. Limitations include the need for in vivo studies to confirm these results. result: The absorption bands at 664 cm-1, 605 cm-1, 557 cm-1, 531 cm-1, and 513 cm-1 in the FTIR range of Vernonia Cinerea (VC) AgNP’s demonstrated the formation of silver ion-bounded nanoparticles of the VC extract. These results indicate that AgNP’s coated with Vernonia have several characteristics that enhance their stability. The diffraction of the X-ray spectrum of the produced AgNP’s showed the Braggs reflections in the XRD pattern 38.066, 31.59, 37.56, 53.01, 64.93, and 76.27. The sample's elemental composition was determined through elemental analysis, with 60% silver ions. After conducting antioxidant investigations on AgNP concentrations using the DPPH assay, the study conducted a cell-based cytotoxic experiment using different doses of AgNO3. Conclusion: Synthesized silver nanoparticles using Vernonia cinerea exhibit strong antioxidant activity and significant anticancer effects, reducing CaCo2 cell proliferation and motility. These findings support their potential as therapeutic agents in the treatment of colorectal cancer.