Lepidium sativum and Its Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles Activate Immune Cells and Induce Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest in HT-29 Colon Cancer Cells

There is an increased demand for plants with antioxidants and anticancer properties. Lepidium sativum L. is an edible plant with medical importance. In this study, we aimed to investigate the anticancer activity; antioxidant capacity and antibacterial impact of Lepidium sativum L. seed acetone extract (LSSAExt), alone and with its biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). LSSAExt-produced AgNPs were characterized using SEM, XRD and Vis/UV analysis. Biomolecules in LSSAExt and LSSAExt + AgNPs were explored utilizing FTIR. The ability of LSSAExt and LSSAExt + AgNPs to induce apoptosis and mitotic cell arrest in the HT-29 colon cancer cells, compared to normal and repeated cell division activated splenic cells was determined by florescent stains and flow cytometry. Antibacterial power was tested using well diffusion technique. LSSAExt and LSSAExt + AgNPs showed a good antibacterial impact. LSSAExt contains ROS, which could help in cancer cells apoptosis. LSSAExt and LSSAExt+AgNPs were not toxic to splenic cells and increased the rate of their cell division. LSSAExt and LSSAExt+AgNPs increased p53 expression and could arrest cell division of HT-29 colon cancer cells but not of normal fast dividing cells. LSSAExt and LSSAExt+AgNPs caused apoptosis in cancer cells rather than necrosis. In conclusion, acetone preparation of the edible plant L. sativum is a good antibacterial agent, good anticancer preparation at least against colon cancer as it is shown to be targeted, effective and can boost immune cells.