Aconitum heterophyllum root derived silver nanoparticles with potential antidiabetic and anticancer activities

Green nanomedicine offers a promising route for developing biocompatible therapeutic systems with reduced chemical burden. In this study, we report the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with Aconitum heterophyllum root extract acting as both a reducing and stabilizing agent. The formation of AH-AgNPs was confirmed by a characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak at 457 nm. Comprehensive physicochemical characterization using FTIR, XRD, FESEM, DLS, and zeta potential analysis demonstrated phytochemical capping, a crystalline face-centered cubic structure, with an average crystallite size of 16.09 nm, spherical morphology with a mean particle size of 33.92 ± 0.3 nm, a hydrodynamic diameter of 51.7 nm, and a surface charge of –15.0 mV, indicating moderate colloidal stability. The biological performance of AH-AgNPs was validated across multiple disease relevant in vitro models. The nanoparticles exhibited strong antioxidant activity, achieving 78.59 ± 0.67% DPPH inhibition (IC₅₀ =130.99 µg/mL), and significant antidiabetic potential through alpha amylase inhibition (75.96 ± 0.53%, IC₅₀ = 166.03 µg/mL). Importantly, AH-AgNPs consistently enhanced glucose uptake in yeast, L6 myoblasts, and RIN5F pancreatic cells, strengthening their translational relevance for metabolic regulation. Furthermore, cytotoxicity studies revealed dose-dependent anticancer activity, with higher sensitivity observed in HepG2 and PANC1 cells compared to noncancerous models. Overall, this work presents a green synthesized nanoparticles integrating antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticancer functions, supported by physicochemical validation and multi-cellular biological assessment. The findings show promising preliminary in vitro activity of medicinal root derived silver nanoparticles as eco-friendly candidates for future nanotherapeutic development. • Green synthesis of AgNPs using Aconitum heterophyllum roots for clinically relevant bioactivity. UV–Vis, FTIR, XRD, FESEM, DLS, and zeta potential confirmed stable, crystalline FCC structure with spherical morphology and biocompatible AH-AgNPs. • Aconitum heterophyllum (AH-AgNPs) showed strong antioxidant and α-amylase inhibitory activity with translational relevance. • Enhanced glucose uptake in yeast, L6, and RIN5F cells suggests potential antidiabetic therapy. • AH-AgNPs demonstrated selective cytotoxicity in HepG2 and PANC1 cells, supporting anticancer research.