Green synthesized nano silver: Synthesis, physicochemical profiling, antibacterial, anticancer activities and biological in vivo toxicity.

Green synthesis of nanoparticles using plants is gaining much interest in recent years. Anyway, intricate details on the role of phytochemicals involved in capping and stabilization of nanoparticles in diminishing toxicity and enhancing therapeutic potential are required. In this study, Ficus religiosa silver nanoparticles (FRAgNPs) were synthesized using Ficus religiosa leaf extract (FRLE) and characterized. The FRAgNPs showed good antibacterial activity and also cytotoxic effect in different cancer cell lines. Induction of apoptotic cell death was confirmed by various staining techniques, increased expression of cleaved caspases-8, 9, 3, lamin, PARP and oxidative stress markers in A549 and Hep2 cells. The in vivo studies performed in rats revealed significant increase in serum levels of AST, ALT, and LDH, TNF-α and IL-6 on day 29 following oral administration of FRAgNPs. However, these levels reverted back to normal at the end of wash out period on day 89. ICP-OES analysis revealed accumulation of silver in liver, brain and lungs on day 29 with respective concentration of 4.77, 3.94 and 3.043μg/g tissue. However, complete elimination of silver was observed on day 89. Histological analysis performed in vital organs indicated pathological changes only in liver which was also normalized after 89days.