Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using <scp> <i>Carthamus tinctorius</i> </scp> L. Extract and Assessment of Its Antioxidant, Anticancer, and Anti‐Inflammatory Activities

ABSTRACT This research aims to adopt an eco‐friendly approach for synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the ethanolic extract of Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) flowers while assessing their potential biological activities, such as antioxidant, anticancer, and anti‐inflammatory effects. AgNPs were synthesized from silver nitrate and the flower extract, which was slightly heated. Their formation and characteristics were evaluated through various techniques, including measuring the particles' dimensions, morphology, structure, and surface charge using UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and zeta potential. The study also contributed to determining the particles' size and shape. Different in vitro assays were employed to assess the biological activities. Antioxidant activity was determined using the 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The assay demonstrated a dose‐dependent free radical scavenging effect, achieving a maximum inhibition of 78.34% at 100 μg/mL. The cytotoxic activity of AgNPs against Michigan Cancer Foundation‐7 (MCF‐7) breast cancer cells was evaluated using the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, where a concentration of 200 μg/mL resulted in 43% cell viability in one trial, 40% in another at 3 h after treatment, and 38% at 6 h. SEM imaging revealed crystalline structures on the surface of the cells, suggesting an apoptotic process. The anti‐inflammatory activity was assessed by detecting interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in macrophages activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), with treatment using AgNPs significantly decreasing the levels.