Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Cuscuta epithymum extract, evaluation of antibacterial, antioxidant activity, cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cell line

Using plants for the green synthesis of nanoparticles is a cost-effective, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly method. This study synthesized silver nanoparticles using <i>Cuscuta epithymum</i> extract, and their biological activities were evaluated. The <i>C. epithymum</i> extract was prepared by maceration and the synthesis of AgNPs using a green method. Confirmation of AgNPs formation was achieved through UV-Vis and the absorption peak was observed at 425 nm, and their morphology and functional groups were determined by FESEM, TEM, XRD, and FT-IR. The nanoparticles were spherical with a size of 15-60 nm. The antioxidant activity of AgNPs was calculated using the DPPH assay (IC₅₀=45.55 mg/L), and antibacterial properties were obtained by Disk Diffusion methods showed the AgNPs had strong antimicrobial activity. MTT assay showed that the AgNPs caused cytotoxicity in MCF-7 with an IC₅₀=42.53 mg/L, 36.78 mg/L, and 26.86 mg/L (<i>P</i> < 0.0001) after 12, 24, and 48 respectively. It can be concluded that <i>C. epithymum</i> extract can reduce Ag+ ions to silver nanoparticles, which possess excellent antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-tumor characteristics.•<i>C. epitymum</i> extract could regenerate Ag ions and synthesize silver nanoparticles.•Morphologically investigated by XRD, FESEM, TEM, and FT-IR, their results showed spherical nanoparticles with a 15-60 nm particle size.•Silver nanoparticles had significant antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic properties.