Green-synthesized silver nanoparticles from incensole acetate modulate <i>TPX2</i> expression in DMBA-induced breast cancer

As natural chemicals may have fewer side effects than conventional medicines, their usage in cancer treatment is becoming more popular. Nanoformulations have been the focus of recent developments to increase the anticancer potential of phytocompounds or pure isolated components. To evaluate the anticancer potential of silver nitrate nanoparticles (AgNPs), essential oil (EO) from <i>Catharanthus roseus</i> was extracted, a terpene compound was isolated and incensole acetate (IA)-mediated silver nanoparticles (IA-AgNPs) were synthesized. The anticancer potential of biosynthesized IA-AgNPs was assessed using a rat mammary tumor model induced by 9,10-dimethylbenz[<i>a</i>]anthracene (DMBA). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet (UV) and visible spectroscopy, size determination, and dynamic light scattering were used to characterize the synthesized nanoparticles (NPs). To ascertain the bioactive potential of the prepared IA-AgNPs, tests for cytotoxicity, antioxidant activity, stress marker analysis, and histopathology were performed. The study's findings showed that among DMBA-induced rats, IA-AgNPs markedly improved some oxidative stress enzyme levels, and upregulated <i>TPX2</i> gene expression. IA-AgNPs demonstrated effective cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines. The anticancer potential was observed by improved levels of antioxidant enzymes. Significant improvements in cancer-induced tissues were found by histopathological investigation, validating the IA-AgNPs' therapeutic effectiveness. In conclusion, the results indicate that <i>TPX2</i> gene expression in the DMBA-induced breast cancer (BC) model is altered by biosynthesized silver nitrate NPs. The combined findings highlight IA-AgNPs' promise as a cutting-edge, targeted nanotherapeutic strategy with improved efficacy in treating cancer parameters compared to traditional therapies.