Comparative analytical characterization and in vitro cytogenotoxic activity evaluation of Asplenium scolopendrium L. leaves and rhizome extracts prior to and after Ag nanoparticles phytosynthesis

• Asplenium scolopendrium L. extracts were used to phytosynthesize silver nanoparticles.
• The antioxidant activity of the extract/nanoparticle mixtures increases compared with the extracts.
• Leaves extract enhance the mitotic cell division.
• Rhizome extract has mitodepressive effect.
• Nanoparticles increase variability of nuclear and chromosomal aberrations.

In this study, we tested the ability of ethanolic extracts of mature leaves and rhizomes of Asplenium scolopendrium L. to synthesize Ag nanoparticles in vitro, and the genotoxic effects of the extracts on the root apexes of Allium cepa were assessed. The roots with a length of 0.5–1 cm were exposed to the action of extracts before and after the synthesis of Ag nanoparticles, for 6, 12 and 24 h. The chemical composition of the extract was evaluated by means of spectroscopic analytical techniques. After the synthesis of the Ag nanoparticles a slight increase was noticed in the antioxidant activity of the extracts. The mito-stimulating effect of the extracts obtained from the leaves, and respectively the mito-inhibiting effect of the extracts from the rhizome, was augmented by the synthesis of Ag nanoparticles, which was associated with an increase in variability and frequency of chromosome aberrations. To our knowledge, this is the first study to have shown the ability of ethanolic extracts of mature leaves and rhizomes of A. scolopendrium L. to phytosynthesize Ag nanoparticles in vitro, and has revealed the comparative chemical composition and the cytogenotoxic potential of the extracts. The present study highlights the need for continuous evaluation of plant resources, and is intended to help in accumulate knowledge for a natural therapy that meets the health care needs.

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