LAUSR

Abstract In recent years, using leaf extract for synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been introduced as an easy, low-cost, and eco-friendly alternative to chemical and physical methods. In this study, the green synthesis of AgNPs was investigated using Artemisia ciniformis (A. ciniformis) leaf extract and their anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects on human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cell line were evaluated. The properties of green synthesized AgNPs were confirmed using the transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Zeta potential. To assess the anti-proliferative activity and induction of apoptosis by green synthesized AgNPs such methods as MTT assay, annexin FI-TC, cell cycle analysis, and Real-Time PCR were performed. TEM images showed that the AgNPs were spherical in shape with a size ranging from 4–14 nm. Green synthesized AgNPs inhibited the growth of AGS human gastric carcinoma cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometric results confirmed cell death by apoptosis. Green synthesized AgNPs caused up-regulation of pro-apoptotic genes, caspase-3, caspase-9, and Bax; moreover, they caused down-regulation of Bcl2 gene and inhibited the expression of cyclin D1 and MMP2 genes. Cell cycle analysis revealed the arrest of cancer cells in the G0/G1 phase. We have shown that green synthesized AgNPs inhibit gastric cancer cell proliferation through apoptosis and have the potential to be used as a novel biological anti-cancer agent in the treatment of gastric cancer.