<i>Areca catechu</i>Linn.–Derived Silver Nanoparticles: A Novel Antitumor Agent against Dalton's Ascites Lymphoma

Abstract

ABSTRACT The present investigation emphasizes biomimetic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using an aqueous extract of Areca catechu and its impact on a Dalton's ascites lymphoma (DAL) mice model. The ultraviolet (UV) spectrum of AgNPs at 428 nm confirmed the spherical shape of the particles and average size of 80 nm was determined using electron microscopic analysis. Elemental silver and adhered biomolecules conferred a synergetic antitumor activity with a significant increase in life span of tumor-induced mice with decreased body weight and tumor volume. Acridine Orange staining and DNA fragmentation studies of harvested tumor cells showed higher level of cytotoxicity by AgNPs when compared to aqueous extract of Areca catechu. KEYWORDS: silver nanoparticles Areca catechu Dalton's ascites lymphoma Acknowledgments We gratefully acknowledge University Grant Commission, University Grant Commission-Special Assistance Programs, Department of Science and Technology Fast Track Scheme, Department of Science and Technology-Nano Mission, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, government of India for their financial support. The authors thank Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu, for the University Research Fellowship. The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.