Phyto-synthesized Gold Nanoparticles as Antitumor Agents.

BACKGROUND Phyto, or plant-derived metal nanoparticles are an interesting and intensive studied group of green synthesized nanoparticles. In the last decade, numerous medicinal plant extracts were used to the synthesis of stable gold or silver nanoparticles with diverse biological effects, such as antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, antiinflammatory activity, hypoglycemic effect, antitumor activity and catalytic activity. RESULTS This review has systematized and discussed information from the last 5 years about the research regarding antitumor/anticancer potential of gold nanoparticles obtained via medicinal plant extracts, with special attention on their selective cytotoxicity on tumor cells and on their mechanism of action, in vitro and in vivo assessments. CONCLUSION Much more in vivo and clinical studies are needed before considering phyto-synthesized gold nanoparticles as significant for future medicine.