Background: 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. Methods: This study marked the first time that Mandragora autumnalis 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. Results: 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. Conclusions: 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.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are promising materials for the development of novel anticancer agents, and their green synthesis has become essential because of their numerous advantages. This study aimed to synthesize AuNPs using an ethanolic extract of Scabiosa palaestina, characterize their physicochemical properties, and evaluate their anticancer properties and antioxidant potential. AuNPs were successfully synthesized and characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The results indicated that the biosynthesized AuNPs were spherical and well-dispersed, exhibiting an absorption peak at 560 nm and an average size of 9.9 nm. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated dose- and time-dependent inhibitory effects on MDA-MB-231, Capan-2, HCT116, and 22Rv1 cancer cell lines, with 22Rv1 and MDA-MB-231 cells showing the most potent responses. At the highest concentration tested (100 µg/mL), after 72 h, cell viability was reduced to 16.04 ± 1.8% for 22Rv1 and 17.48 ± 8.3% for MDA-MB-231 cells. Additionally, the AuNPs exhibited concentration-dependent antioxidant activity in both 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) scavenging assays. In summary, the synthesized AuNPs demonstrated multifunctional properties that make them suitable for a wide range of biomedical and biotechnological applications.

Breast cancer is a common and chronic condition, and despite improvements in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, the number of cases of breast cancer is rising annually. New therapeutic drugs that target specific checkpoints should be created to fight breast cancer. Mandragora autumnalis possesses substantial cultural value as a herb and is regarded as one of the most significant medicinal plants; however, little is known about its anticancerous biological activity and chemopreventive molecular pathways against the triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cell line. In this study, the antioxidant, anticancer, and underlying molecular mechanisms of the Mandragora autumnalis ethanolic leaves extract (MAE) were evaluated, and its phytochemical composition was determined. Results indicated that MAE diminished the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Although MAE exhibited 55% radical scavenging activity at higher concentrations in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, the attenuation of its cytotoxic effects in MDA-MB-231 cells with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) co-treatment suggests a potential role of oxidative stress. Additionally, MAE caused an increase in the tumor suppressor p53. Moreover, this extract caused a significant decrease in the expression of Ki-67 (a cellular proliferation marker), MMP-9 (matrix metalloproteinase-9, an enzyme involved in extracellular matrix degradation and metastasis), and STAT-3 (a transcription factor regulating cell growth and survival). Also, MAE altered cell cycle, cell migration, angiogenesis, invasion, aggregation, and adhesion to suppress cellular processes linked to metastasis. All of our research points to MAE’s potential to function as an anticancer agent and opens up new possibilities for the development of innovative triple-negative breast cancer treatments.

Plant-based remedies have been employed since ancient times to manage and prevent a wide range of diseases. Background: Their bioactive constituents provide natural alternatives to synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs, often with reduced toxicity and multiple biological benefits. Mandragora autumnalis, a medicinal plant rich in secondary metabolites, has not been extensively investigated for its anti-inflammatory properties. Methods: The anti-inflammatory activity of Mandragora autumnalis ethanolic extract (MAE) was evaluated using in vitro biochemical assays, including heat-induced protein denaturation (casein and bovine serum albumin) and red blood cell membrane stabilization. Cellular anti-inflammatory effects were assessed in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages by measuring nitric oxide production, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, macrophage migration, gene and protein expression of inflammatory mediators, and the activation status of NF-κB, STAT3, and MAPK signaling pathways. Results: Preliminary screening revealed that MAE effectively inhibited heat-induced protein denaturation (casein and bovine serum albumin) and heat-induced red blood cell (RBC) hemolysis, indicating strong protein- and membrane-stabilizing properties associated with anti-inflammatory activity. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, MAE markedly suppressed the inflammatory response by downregulating the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), leading to a significant reduction in nitric oxide (NO) production and pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Furthermore, MAE inhibited macrophage migration and attenuated key inflammatory signaling pathways, notably nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Molecular docking analysis was conducted to explore the potential interactions between the most abundant chemical compounds and key proteins involved in inflammatory signaling pathways, including ERK and iNOS. Conclusions: Overall, these results indicate that MAE exhibits strong anti-inflammatory activity by stabilizing proteins, protecting cellular membranes, and inhibiting key inflammatory mediators and signaling pathways. These findings highlight its potential as a natural therapeutic candidate for the prevention and management of chronic inflammation-related disorders, such as arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. However, further mechanistic investigations and in vivo studies are required to confirm its therapeutic potential and clinical relevance.

Background: 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. Methods: This study marked the first time that Mandragora autumnalis ethanolic extract (MAE) was uti-lized 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. Results: 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 AuNPs was confirmed by the XRD pattern, and data from FTIR and TGA veri-fied that MAE-AuNPs played a part in stabilizing and capping the produced AuNPs. Al-so, the MAE-AuNPs demonstrated their potential effectiveness as antioxidant and anti-cancer therapeutic agents by demonstrating radical scavenging activity and anticancer activity against a number of human cancer cell lines, specifically triple-negative breast cancer cells. Conclusions: 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-Au-NPs and evaluating their antioxidant and anticancer properties.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are promising materials for the development of novel anticancer agents, and their green synthesis has become essential due to their numerous advantages. This study aimed to synthesize AuNPs using an ethanolic extract of Scabiosa palaestina, characterize their physicochemical properties, and evaluate their anticancer properties as well as their antioxidant potential. AuNPs were successfully synthesized and characterized using UV–Visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The results indicated that the biosynthesized AuNPs were spherical and well-dispersed, exhibiting an absorption peak at 560 nm and an average size of 9.9 nm. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated a dose- and time-dependent inhibitory effect on MDA-MB-231, Capan-2, HCT116, and 22Rv1 cancer cell lines, with 22Rv1 and MDA-MB-231 cells showing the most potent responses. At the highest concentration tested (100 µg/ml) after 72 hours, cell viability was reduced to 16.04 ± 1.8% for 22Rv1 and 17.48 ± 8.3% for MDA-MB-231 cells. Additionally, the AuNPs exhibited concentration-dependent antioxidant activity in both DPPH and H2O2 scavenging assays. In summary, the synthesized AuNPs demonstrated multifunctional properties that make them suitable for a wide range of biomedical and biotechnological applications.