Facile and efficient synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Stachys viscosa with phenolic profiling, antioxidant potential and cytotoxic activity

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs@Sv) were green synthesized utilizing the Stachys viscosa. High analytical techniques determined the structure and properties of AgNPs@Sv. UV-Vis analysis showed a maximum absorbance at 419 nm. FTIR determined the functional groups of AgNPs@Sv. The hydroxyl group was observed at 3260 cm− 1. The TEM analysis revealed that the nanomaterials had a spherical size of 12.1 nm. The stability of nanomaterials was disclosed by zeta potential (-38.7 mV). Quantification of natural compounds in S. viscosa was achieved by LC-MS/MS measurement (µg/g extract). Shikimic acid (39.71), chlorogenic acid (5.49), vanillic acid (2.64), and salicylic acid (1.77) were determined as main compounds. The antiproliferative effects of the extract and AgNPs@Sv were assessed using the human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2, the human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line Capan-1, and the L929 fibroblast cell line. The cell viability of Caco-2 cell lines, when exposed to AgNPs@Sv and extract, was measured as (%) 25.6 ± 0.6 and 30.6 ± 0.6, respectively, at 1.0 mg/mL. In addition, the cell viability of Capan-1 cell lines, when exposed to AgNPs@Sv and the extract, was detected as (%) 24.75 ± 0.7 and 31.92 ± 1.74 at 1.0 mg/mL, respectively. The viability of healthy L929 cell lines was determined as 75.94 ± 1.38 and 82.80 ± 1.95 at 1.0 mg/mL, respectively, when AgNPs@Sv and extract were used. AgNPs@Sv exert cytotoxic effects on cancer cells primarily by activating apoptosis-related pathways. In addition, the antioxidant potential of the extract and nanoparticles was assessed using the DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays. The nanoparticles displayed high antioxidant activity. AgNPs@Sv can be considered as an anticancer and antioxidant agent for drug progress.