LAUSR

Abstract Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely accepted for their physical, chemical and biological properties which could relate to their applications in medicine. Hence, these particles of the nano-regime could be a potential contender in search for novel medication with psychotherapeutic and antitumor potential. Considering this background, the objective of the present study was set to comparatively assess the anxiolytic, antidepressant and antitumor effects of AgNPs synthesized using diosgenin, a plant derived saponin of Dioscorea oppositifolia. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by using UV–Vis, FTIR, TEM, SEM, DLS and XRD. The AgNPs after characterization were tested at varying doses for their anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in Swiss albino mice. The mice spent more time in the open arm after treatment in elevated plus maze test (EPM). Significant dose dependent reduction in immobility time was observed in forced induced swimming test (FST). Dalton's ascites lymphoma (DAL) was induced in vivo for analysing the antitumor effect of AgNPs. After treatment with AgNPs, a significant reduction was observed in the body weight of the tumor-induced mice. Analysis of hematological parameters, lipid peroxidation marker, liver and kidney function tests indicate the oncosuppressive effects of the AgNPs. This was evidently observed via the effective revival of all these parameters to near-normal after treatment with AgNPs at a dose of 10 mg/kg. To conclude, the findings of the present study indicate that AgNPs synthesized using diosgenin could be considered as a valuable candidate for use in and as anxiolytic, antidepressant and antitumor medications.