Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Using Mandragora autumnalis: Characterization and Evaluation of Its Antioxidant and Anticancer Bioactivities

<b>Background</b>: One of the most widely used metal nanoparticles in biological applications is gold, which has unique physicochemical characteristics. Strong localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) endows them with exceptional optical properties that facilitate the development of innovative methods for biosensing, bioimaging, and cancer research, particularly in the context of photothermal and photodynamic therapy. <b>Methods</b>: This study marked the first time that <i>Mandragora autumnalis</i> ethanolic extract (MAE) was utilized in the environmentally friendly synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Several characterization methods, including dynamic light scattering analysis (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and biological methods, were used to emphasize the anti-cancerous activity of the biogenic AuNPs. <b>Results</b>: MAE-AuNPs showed a surface plasmon resonance band at 570 nm. DLS and SEM demonstrated the synthesis of small, spherical AuNPs with a zeta potential of -19.07 mV. The crystalline nature of the AuNPs was confirmed by the XRD pattern, and data from FTIR and TGA verified that MAE-AuNPs played a part in stabilizing and capping the produced AuNPs. In addition, the MAE-AuNPs demonstrated their potential effectiveness as antioxidant and anticancer therapeutic agents by demonstrating radical scavenging activity and anticancer activity against a number of human cancer cell lines, specifically triple-negative breast cancer cells. <b>Conclusions</b>: Green synthesis techniques are superior to other synthesis methods because they are simple, economical, energy-efficient, and biocompatible, which reduces the need for hazardous chemicals in the reduction process. This article highlights the significance of characterizing MAE-AuNPs and evaluating their antioxidant and anticancer properties.