Phyto-fabrication of Moringa oleifera peel-sourced silver nanoparticles: A promising approach for combating hepatic cancer by targeting proinflammatory cytokines and mitigating cytokine storms

Chem Biodivers. 2024 Apr 7:e202400059. doi: 10.1002/cbdv.202400059. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) arises from precancerous nodules, leading to liver damage and inflammation, which triggers the release of proinflammatory cytokines. Dysregulation of these cytokines can escalate into a cytokine storm, causing severe organ damage. Interestingly, Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) fruit peel, previously discarded as waste, contains an abundance of essential biomolecules and high nutritional value. This study focuses on the eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles infused with M. oleifera peel extract biomolecules and their impact on regulating proinflammatory cytokines, as well as their potential anticancer effects against Wistar rats. The freshly synthesized nanoformulation underwent comprehensive characterization, followed by antihepatic cancer evaluation using a diethyl nitrosamine-induced model (at a dose of 200 mg kg-1 BW). The study demonstrates a significant reduction in proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-kB). Furthermore, it confirms that the newly biosynthesized silver nanoparticles exhibit additional potential against hepatic cancer due to their capped biomolecules.

Keywords: Hepatic carcinoma; Moringa oleifera; Phytofabrication; Silver nanoparticles.