In vitro mitodepressive activity of phytofabricated silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag2O-NPs) by leaves extract of Helleborus odorus Waldst. & Kit. ex Willd

Abstract In the present study, a bottom-up approach to phytosynthesis of silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag2O-NPs) using hydroalcoholic extracts of Helleborus odorus Waldst. & Kit. Ex Willd. as a reducing agent is reported. Evaluation of cytogenotoxic effects of the extracts, prior to and after Ag2O-NPs green synthesis, on Allium cepa L. root tip cells was evaluated. The synthesis of Ag2O-NPs (suggested by UV-Vis adsorption spectrum) was confirmed using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The strong mitoinhibitory and chromatoclastic effects of crude extracts of H. odorus Waldst. & Kit. Ex Willd. on meristematic root-tip cells of onion were intensified by the phytofabricated Ag2O-NPs, thus suggesting their potential use as antitumor agents.