Cytotoxic effect of plant extract-based nanoparticles on cancerous cells: a review

Cancer is one of the most fatal diseases causing deaths of millions of people worldwide. Since actual cancer treatments are rarely efficient and often toxic, there is a demand for innocuous and more effective anticancer drugs. For instance, metal/metal oxide nanoparticles allow controlled drug release and drug delivery to specific targets. In particular, medicinal plant-based metal nanoparticles appear as safer and more effective. Here, we present the synthesis of metal nanoparticles using medicinal plant extracts, and the toxicity of these nanoparticles for cancerous cells. The anticancer effect is explained by several possible mechanisms such as generation of reactive oxygen species, cell cycle arrest, antioxidant property, apoptosis and autophagy. We present plant compounds that induce cytotoxicity against cancerous cells, and assays for the measurement of cell toxicity.

Automated summary

This article presents the synthesis of metal nanoparticles using medicinal plant extracts and examines their toxicity to cancer cells. The anticancer effect of these nanoparticles is explained through several possible mechanisms, including the generation of reactive oxygen species, cell cycle arrest, antioxidant property, apoptosis, and autophagy. Plant compounds that induce cytotoxicity against cancer cells and assays for measuring cell toxicity are also discussed.