Comparative study on structural, antimicrobial, and anticancerous activity of Rajatha bhasma and Triphala churna mediated silver nanoparticles

Abstract Background: Rajatha bhasma (calcined silver) has been used for the treatment of various disorders. Despite its widespread use, few studies have been carried out on the physical characteristics and chemical compositions of Rajatha bhasma . On the other side, development of the nanotechnology has revolutionized the field of medicine. Silver nanoparticle is widely used in the medical field. There is a need to compare the Rajatha bhasma and silver nanoparticles to understand structural differences and biological functions. Methodology: Silver nanoparticles were prepared using Triphala churna (TC-AgNP) and Rajatha bhasma was procured from the market. Characterization of Bhasma and TC-AgNP was carried out by studying Zeta potential, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and FTIR. Antimicrobial activity was studied using a well diffusion method on Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and antifungal stains. Anticancer activity was studied by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-Yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay using MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. Results: The Zeta potential study revealed the particle size of the Rajatha bhasma as 633 nm and that of TC-AgNP as 74 nm. XRD of Rajatha bhasma contains acanthite (silver sulfide [Ag2S]) and jalpaite (copper silver sulfide [Ag3CuS2]) has major components, while TC-AgNP showed only Ag. FTIR spectrum showed the presence of various biomolecules in Bhasma , but TC-AgNPs showed only a hydroxyl group suggesting the presence of water. TC-AgNPs exhibited better antimicrobial activity than Rajatha bhasma and both showed dose dependent anticancer activity against breastcancer celllines. Conclusion: Thus this study showed structural and functional similarities between Rajatha bhasma and TC-AgNPs.