Background and Purpose: Cancer remains one of the most significant global health challenges due to its high incidence and considerable mortality, necessitating the development of novel, targeted, and low-toxicity therapeutic strategies. In this context, medical nanotechnology, particularly the green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles using plant-based resources, has gained considerable attention as a sustainable and biocompatible approach. Indigenous Iranian medicinal plants, owing to their rich diversity of secondary metabolites, possess strong potential for the biosynthesis of nanoparticles with notable anticancer properties. This study aimed to systematically review the available evidence on the role of indigenous Iranian medicinal plants in the green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles and to evaluate the anticancer potential of these nanoparticles across different cancer models.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted as a systematic and comprehensive review. A literature search was performed in Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, SID, and ISC databases using relevant keywords, including “green synthesis,” “metallic nanoparticles,” “indigenous medicinal plants of Iran,” and “cancer,” covering the period from 2010 to 2025. Ultimately, 24 eligible studies were selected, assessed and analyzed.
Results: The reviewed studies indicated that a wide range of indigenous Iranian medicinal plants have been used in the green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles with reported anticancer activities. These plants predominantly belong to the Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Apiaceae families and are rich in bioactive secondary metabolites. A variety of aqueous, alcoholic, and hydroalcoholic extracts, as well as essential oils, were employed for nanoparticle reduction and stabilization. Furthermore, diverse metallic and metal oxide nanoparticles, including Argentum (Ag), Aurum (Au), Selenium (Se), Zinc Oxide (ZnO), Cerium Oxide (CeO2) and rare-earth-based compounds, with sizes ranging approximately from 10 to 200 nm, have been reported, all of which play a crucial role in biological activity and cellular uptake.
Conclusion: The findings of this review suggest that indigenous Iranian medicinal plants possess significant potential for the green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles, and the resulting nanoparticles exhibit considerable anticancer effects. However, further rigorous preclinical investigations and extensive clinical trials are required to confirm their efficacy, safety, and translational potential for clinical applications. |
