Abstract:
Annona glabra L. (AngTE) and Annona squamosa L. (AnsTE) fruits have been widely used
in cancer treatment. Accordingly, their extracts were used to synthesize silver nanoparticles via a
biogenic route (Ang-AgNPs) and (Ans-AgNPs), respectively. Chemical profiling was established
using UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. All species were tested for anticancer activity against human cervical
cancer cells (HeLa), prostate adenocarcinoma metastatic (PC3), and ovary adenocarcinoma (SKOV3)
using sulphorhodamine B assay. Apoptosis was determined using Annexin flow cytometry along
with cell cycle analysis and supported by a molecular docking. The antibacterial and synergistic
effect when combined with gentamicin were evaluated. A total of 114 compounds were tentatively
identified, mainly acetogenins and ent-kaurane diterpenes. AnsTE and Ans-AgNPs had the most
potent cytotoxicity on HeLa and SKOV3 cells, inducing a significant apoptotic effect against all tumor
cells. The AnsTE and Ans-AgNPs significantly arrested PC3, SKOV3, and HeLa cells in the S phase.
The nanoparticles demonstrated greater antibacterial and antifungal activities, as well as a synergistic
effect with gentamicin against P. aeruginosa and E. coli. Finally, a molecular docking was attempted to
investigate the binding mode of the identified compounds in Bcl-2 proteins’ receptor, implying that
the fruits and their nanoparticles are excellent candidates for treating skin infections in patients with
ovarian or prostatic cancer.
