Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles using Methanol Extract of Bunium Persicum and the Evaluation of its Cytotoxic, Antileishmanial, and Antimicrobial Activities

 The unique properties of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) produced using plant extract make them attractive for use in medical and industrial applications. Bunium persicum from the Apiaceae family is native to Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and some Central Asian countries, which is locally known as "Kermanin Black Cumin" in Iran. In this study, Ag-NPs were synthesized using methanol extract of B. persicum as the regenerating and stabilizing agent for the first time and were followed by the characterization and evaluation of its biological potency.

 Synthesis of Ag-NPs was conducted using the B. persicum extract. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy was used to detect the presence of nanoparticles. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was also employed to visualize the surface morphology, shape, and size distribution of nanoparticles. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) is very sensitive to the chemical surface of nanoparticles and was utilized to identify functional groups in the nanoparticles. Cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines and antileishmanial activities were investigated using MTT assay, and the well diffusion method was used to detect the antibacterial property of the synthesized nanoparticles.

 UV-VIS spectrum exhibits an absorption band at around 400-450 nm suggesting the formation of biological Ag-NPs. The size and morphological properties of nanoparticles were assessed by SEM which showed that particles have spherical shapes with a diameter of about 20-70 nm. Ag-NPs showed cytotoxicity against human glioblastoma cancer cell line A-172 (IC50:7.2 µg/ml) and breast cancer cell line MCF-7 (IC50:7.6 µg/ml) after 48 h treatment. Ag-NPs presented antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The present study confirmed good antileishmanial activity against the promastigote and amastigote stages of Leishmania major. The IC50 values of Ag-NPs and Glucantime® were 73.89 and 16.17μg/mL for promastigote, as well as 171.02 and 398.21 μg/mL for amastigotes assays, respectively.

 The extract of B. persicum has the ability to reduce Ag+ ions to Ag nanoparticles. Moreover, the fabricated Ag-NPs have good cytotoxicity, antibacterial, and antileishmanial activities.