Researchers from Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences have unveiled promising new developments surrounding silver nanoparticles (IY-AgNPs) synthesized from Iranian yarrow extract, which may pave the way for innovative approaches to wound healing and cancer treatment. The research highlights the enhanced hemocompatibility, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties of these nanoparticles, which are characterized by their unique biological activities.
The study, which draws from the rich medicinal history of the Achillea genus, particularly Iranian yarrow, demonstrates the potential of utilizing green chemistry methods for synthesizing IY-AgNPs as safe and multifunctional therapeutics. The high bioactivity of these nanoparticles may substantially improve their applications within the medical field, particularly as alternatives to conventional chemical drugs.
The research team successfully developed IY-AgNPs by utilizing the reducing and stabilizing agents present within yarrow extract, characterizing the nanoparticles through various sophisticated techniques, including FT-IR, XRD, TEM, and UV-vis spectroscopy. The IY-AgNPs displayed favorable features, including spherical morphology, with an average size of 19.25 ± 7.9 nm, and were shown to inhibit bacterial growth from pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. They even demonstrated strong antifungal activities against Candida albicans.
Notably, the IY-AgNPs exhibited significant antioxidant activity, achieving up to 63.2% inhibition of DPPH radicals at concentrations up to 350 µg/mL. Such antioxidative capabilities can play important roles both therapeutically and within healing contexts, minimizing free radical damage and inflammation associated with wounds.
Cytotoxic assays conducted on human cancer cell lines revealed particularly significant results: the IY-AgNPs displayed half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) below 12.5 µg/mL against human melanoma cells (A375) and 25 to 50 µg/mL against breast cancer cells (MCF-7). These findings suggest not only promising anticancer activity but also improved safety profiles compared to traditional chemotherapeutic approaches.
With their ability to accelerate blood clotting and promote healing, these nanoparticles could revolutionize methods for treating wounds, where rapid hemostasis is key. The results of clotting tests indicated remarkable performance, with IY-AgNPs effectively reducing clotting time by six minutes compared to controls.
Despite their advantageous properties, the IY-AgNPs showed low hemolytic potential—less than 1% hemolysis at concentrations below 1000 µg/mL—demonstrated the biocompatibility necessary for applications within the human body. This finding is significant as it addresses public concerns surrounding the safety of nanoparticles entering systemic circulation.
Considering the traditional use of Achillea for treating wounds and various ailments, the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using this plant strongly supports its historical roles, providing scientific validation for its medicinal applications. The combination of antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties makes these biogenic IY-AgNPs promising candidates for diverse therapeutic applications.
While these initial findings are encouraging, the authors highlight the need for comprehensive studies to explore the full potential of IY-AgNPs, especially within clinical settings. Future investigations focusing on their mechanisms of action, optimal dosing strategies, and long-term effects are necessary to fully realize the therapeutic benefits of these bio-nanoparticles.
The synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of IY-AgNPs marked significant progress toward developing innovative, safe therapeutic agents derived from natural sources, contributing to the increasingly important field of nanomedicine and opening new paths for modern treatments.