Rr Aulia Rahmawati Kusuma Putri, Mochammad Aqilah Herdiansyah, Aulia Umi Rohmatika, Sri Rahayu, Win Darmanto
Liver cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide, with hepatocellular carcinoma being the most commonly occurring form. In an attempt to find safe and effective alternative therapies, this study assessed the anti-cancer potential of ethanol-based silver nanoparticles synthesized from Alpinia galanga rhizomes (white galangal) (AgNPs-AG). The metabolite profile of the ethanol extract, analyzed by LC-MS, identified 20 major compounds, among which 2,3-Dihydroxybenzoylserine emerged as the top anticancer candidate (Pa = 0.383) based on PASS prediction. Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles was successfully achieved using the extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Comprehensive characterization confirmed the formation of stable silver nanoparticles. UV-Vis spectroscopy showed a characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak at 420 nm, while FT-IR analysis revealed the presence of –OH and C=O functional groups that functioned as capping agents. Particle size analysis showed an average size of 6.35 nm with a uniform distribution, and a zeta potential of –28.6 mV indicated good colloidal stability. Further in silico molecular docking supports the anticancer potential of 2,3-Dihydroxybenzoylserine, which shows strong binding to Caspase-9 (–7.3 kcal/mol), implying intrinsic apoptosis pathway activation. In vitro toxicity was evaluated using the Huh7it hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. Treatment with AgNPs-AG at concentrations ranging from 6.25 to 200 μg/mL for 24 and 48 h of incubation caused a decrease in cell viability, depending on the dose and time. The IC₅₀ values obtained were 71.046 μg/mL (24 h) and 63.395 μg/mL (48 h), indicating increased cytotoxicity with longer exposure. Collectively, findings highlight the encouraging potential of AgNPs-AG as a novel candidate for liver cancer therapy. © 2026, Walailak University. All rights reserved.
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Airlangga, East Java, Indonesia; Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jawa Timur, East Java, Indonesia; Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya, East Java, Indonesia
