ArticleSynthesis of silver nanoparticles and the antibacterial and anticancer activities of the crude extract of sargassum polycystum C. Agardh AbstractThe potential of the methanolic extract of the seaweed, Sargassum polycystum in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles was investigated. The extract synthesized appreciable quantities of silver nanoparticles of the size 5-7 nm, in 24 hrs. The particles were characterized by UV-Vis, FT-IR spectroscopy, HRTEM and XRD analysis. The results indicated that the algal extract can be utilized as an eco-friendly system for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles for various applications in the field of medicine. The methanolic extract of the alga, silver nitrate solution and their combination were tested for their antimicrobial activities against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Anticancer activity of the extract and the silver nanoparticles were evaluated against the breast cancer line MCF-7. Active compounds in the crude extract of the alga were separated and identified as fatty acids by GC-MS analysis. These fatty acids together with the silver nanoparticles exhibited anticancer activity against the breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Results are presented and discussed in detail. Citation: N. Thangaraju, et al. Synthesis of silver nanoparticles and the antibacterial and anticancer activities of the crude extract of sargassum polycystum c.

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Hyperpigmentation disorders caused by excessive melanin synthesis may significantly affect the psychosocial aspect of an individual. Being the current gold standard used for the treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders, hydroquinone is associated with several adverse effects including skin irritation, contact dermatitis, mutagenic to mammalian cells, cytotoxic to melanocytes as well as exogenous ochronosis in darker-complexioned individuals. Botanically derived agents have received increased attention in treating hyperpigmentation as they are perceived to be milder, safer, healthier and more cost-effective. Several herbs, plant extracts and phytochemicals with multitude mechanisms of action have been reported to be effective depigmenting agents with milder side effects. Some of the agents were studied in combination and their hypopigmentation effects may be resulting from synergistic effects of the various components. Mechanisms involved in depigmentation include tyrosinase inhibition, inhibition of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-induced melanogenesis and antioxidant properties. Use of plant-derived agents for the treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders is promising with the need for more rigorous clinical studies to support the use of these agents. This review summarizes the use of various plants and bioactive constituents and their effectiveness in the control of pigmentation.