GREEN SYNTHESIS OF JUGLANS REGIA-MEDIATED GOLD NANOPARTICLES CONJUGATED WITH 5-FLUOROURACIL: CHARACTERIZATION AND IN VITRO ANTICANCER ACTIVITY AGAINST MCF-7 BREAST CANCER CELLS.

Abstract

Juglans regia-L. (Juglandaceae), commonly known as walnut, is an important medicinal plant known for its diverse phytochemical constituents and potential biological activities. The present study aimed to investigate the preliminary phytochemical composition of Juglans regia-extract using qualitative phytochemical screening methods. The analysis revealed the presence of saponins, whereas alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, proteins and amino acids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, terpenoids, and steroids were not detected under the experimental conditions. Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was carried out using the aqueous extract of Juglans regia, which acted as both a reducing and capping agent. The formation of AuNPs was confirmed through various characterization techniques, including UV Vis spectroscopy, EDAX and XRD analysis. The findings showed that Juglans regia-mediated AuNPs possess IC50 of 79.12 % against MCF-7 cells. Hence, from the study Juglans regia-mediated AuNPs demonstrated promising anticancer potential, with concentration-dependent cytotoxic effects against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Their bioactivity suggests potential for further investigation as a candidate for cancer-related nano biomedical applications.