Synthesis, Characterization, Antioxidant and Cytotoxicity Studies of Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles Derived from Vitex negundo Leaves

In the current study, the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Vitex negundo leaves was subjected to antioxidant and anticancer activities. Characterization of silver nanoparticles using techniques like particle size, FTIR, SEM and UV-Vis spectroscopy were analyzed. SEM results indicate that the silver nanoparticles have an average diameter of 130 nm and exhibit a rod-shaped morphology. The UV-visible absorption peak in the 458.35-398.75 nm region is indicative of silver nanoparticles and signifies the presence of surface plasmon resonance. The presence of silver nanoparticles can lead to sharper and more intense absorption peaks in the FTIR spectrum. Silver nanoparticles can enhance the antioxidant properties of Vitex negundo with an IC50 value of 172.76 µg/mL. Similarly, thiobarbituric acid assay exhibits 100 µg/mL, hydrogen peroxide exhibits 146.68 µg/mL and reducing power assay displays 150 µg/mL. The cytotoxic effects of AgNPs were assessed using the MTT assay on MCF-7 cells. The calculated IC50 value was found to be 128.62 µg/mL, suggesting that AgNPs exhibit dose-dependent cytotoxicity. Findings of AO/EtBr assay are useful for understanding the cytotoxic effects of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles. Based on this, successful synthesis of AgNPs from Vitex negundo, highlighting their antioxidant and anticancer potential.