Unveiling antimicrobial and anticancerous behavior of AuNPs and AgNPs moderated by rhizome extracts of Curcuma longa from diverse altitudes of Himalaya

Conservative remedies have a gray history worldwide and these provide productive and pertinent tools to tackle ailments. Also, the high altitude areas of Indian Himalayas with their wealthy biodiversity anchorage around 2000 plant species. Ensuing study demonstrates the synthesis of Silver (Ag) and gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs) and utilizes one of the medicaments Curcuma longa of Indian Himalayas collected from different altitudes. For the same, turmeric rhizome extracts have been prepared from the aforesaid medicament and its anticancer activity and antimicrobial potential have been evaluated. Formation of Ag and Au nanoparticles was realized via UV–Vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope (TEM) confirmed size of the NPs. Antibacterial activity has been checked against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. The anticancer prospective has been observed against A549 and PC3 cell lines of both Au and Ag NPs and the cytotoxicity on PC3 and A549 cell lines was assessed using MTT assay. Results revealed higher amount of biochemicals, antibacterial and anticancer activity in Ag and Au NPs synthesized from rhizome extract collected from highest altitude. For the first time impact of altitudinal variations on phytochemicals and nanoparticles has been reported which have significant effect on its antimicrobial and anticancerous activity.