Anticancer Effects of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Eupatorium adenophorum Extract in Animal Model: Impact on Tumor Growth, Apoptotic Markers and Organ Biomarkers
1, 1, 2, 1, 3
- 1Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, DIT University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, INDIA.
- 2Department of Chemistry and Bioprospecting, Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, Uttarakhand, INDIA.
- 3Department of Pharmaceutics, Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, INDIA.
CORRESPONDENCE
Dr. Uddipak Rai
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, DIT University, Dehradun-248009, Uttarakhand, INDIA.
Received: 27-11-2024; Revised: 19-02-2025; Accepted: 03-06-2025.
Volume 60, Issue 1 · pp. 172-182 · 2026 · DOI: 10.5530/ijper.20261036
ABSTRACT
Background: Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from plant extracts have shown significant anticancer potential. This study explores the efficacy of AgNPs prepared from the methanolic extract of Eupatorium adenophorum leaves in treating breast cancer in mice, focusing on their effects on tumor size, weight loss, biochemical markers, and apoptosis-related gene expression.Materials and Methods: AgNPs were synthesized and characterized for their size, morphology, and stability. Female BALB/c mice injected with MDA MB231 breast cancer cells were treated with varying doses of AgNPs. Tumor volume and weight loss were measured weekly to assess therapeutic effects and systemic toxicity.Results: Weight loss was dose-dependently reduced, with a maximum reduction of 0.4±0.80 g/week at 600 mg/kg EA-AgNP, compared to 0.03±0.01 g/week in the standard group. Tumor inhibition reached 61%, with a 56.25±1.86 mM3 reduction in tumor volume at the highest dose. Blood glucose levels dropped to 106.25±3.75 mg/dL at 600 mg/kg EA-AgNP, compared to 192.5±2.5 mg/dL in the diseased control group. Apoptotic gene analysis revealed upregulation of pro-apoptotic genes (BAX, caspase-3, and -8) and downregulation of the anti-apoptotic gene (BCL-2), indicating enhanced apoptosis. Biomarker analysis for liver and kidney function showed decreased SGPT, SGOT, uric acid, and urea levels, suggesting a favorable safety profile. Histopathological examination confirmed the absence of malignancy in treated mice.Conclusion: AgNPs derived from Eupatorium adenophorum exhibit potent anticancer effects in a mouse breast cancer model by promoting apoptosis and reducing tumor growth, underscoring their potential as a promising plant-based therapeutic agent. Further research is needed to elucidate their mechanisms and long-term safety.
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Rana, S., Rai, U., Kumar, V., Pant, P., & Ale, Y. (2026). Anticancer Effects of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Eupatorium adenophorum Extract in Animal Model: Impact on Tumor Growth, Apoptotic Markers and Organ Biomarkers. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, 60(1), 172-182. https://doi.org/10.5530/ijper.20261036
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