Nature's Alchemy: How Lawsonia Inermis Extracts Craft Potent Anticancer Nanoparticles?

We are excited to highlight a groundbreaking study titled "Alchemy in Nature: The Role of Lawsonia Inermis Extract Choice in Crafting Potent Anticancer Metal Nanoparticles" published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. Leveraging untargeted metabolomics via Q-TOF LC/MS/MS, this research explored how extraction methods (aqueous vs. hydroalcoholic) influence the phytochemical composition of Lawsonia inermis (henna) extracts and their efficacy in synthesizing anticancer iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) nanoparticles (NPs). The study underscores the critical role of plant-derived metabolites in green nanotechnology and positions metabolomics as a cornerstone for optimizing sustainable biomedical solutions.

Anticancer potential of plant-based metal nanoparticles

Why Lawsonia Inermis and Green Nanoparticles Matter  

Cancer remains a global health crisis, with skin cancer posing significant challenges due to its rising incidence. Traditional chemotherapy often lacks specificity and induces severe side effects, driving the search for safer, nature-inspired therapies. Lawsonia inermis, renowned for its medicinal properties, has historically treated skin disorders, but its potential in synthesizing metal nanoparticles—a frontier in targeted drug delivery—remains underexplored.  

This study bridges phytochemistry and nanotechnology by investigating how extraction solvents alter the metabolite profile of henna extracts, thereby tuning the biological and physicochemical properties of Fe/Zn NPs. The integration of untargeted metabolomics not only deciphered the phytochemical diversity but also linked specific compounds to nanoparticle performance, offering a blueprint for designing eco-friendly anticancer agents.  

Key Findings: Unlocking the Secrets of Green Nanoparticles  

1. Metabolomics Reveals Phytochemical Richness of Henna Extracts

Using Q-TOF LC/MS/MS-based metabolomics, researchers identified over 100 metabolites in henna extracts, with phenolic compounds dominating both aqueous (HQ) and hydroalcoholic (HC) extracts. HC exhibited higher levels of flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, apigenin) and terpenoids, while HQ was enriched in organic acids. Orthogonal Projections to Latent Structures Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) highlighted 40+ marker compounds distinguishing the extracts, including chlorogenic acid (HC) and isoquercitrin (HQ). These findings explain why HC acted as a superior coating agent, while HQ excelled in reducing metal ions during NP synthesis.

PCA and OPLS-DA modeling of metabolites in HC and HQ as analyzed by Q-TOF LC/MS/MS

2. Extraction Methods Dictate Nanoparticle Characteristics

The study revealed that the choice of extraction method significantly influences the characteristics of green-synthesized nanoparticles. Using SEM, EDX, DLS, FT-IR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy, the researchers found that hydroalcoholic extract-synthesized Zn NPs (HZnC) showed smaller hydrodynamic diameters (6.5 nm), higher stability (zeta potential: −36.7 mV), and enhanced phenolic coating, reducing aggregation. In contrast, aqueous-based Fe NPs (HFeQ) had higher metal content (31.88% Fe), confirming HQ’s stronger reducing power. FT-IR confirmed phytochemical capping, with HC-coated NPs retaining more hydroxyl and carbonyl groups, critical for stabilizing NPs and enhancing bioactivity.

FT-IR spectra of the fabricated green NPs

3. Exploring the Antioxidant and Anticancer Potential of Nanoparticles

The antioxidant and anticancer potential of the NPs was rigorously tested using DPPH, ABTS, and SRB assays. Hydroalcoholic extracts and HC-Zn NPs demonstrated the strongest radical scavenging activity, with DPPH IC₅₀ values ranging from 21.86 to 46.02 µg/mL. In anticancer assays, HC and Zn NPs (HZnQ) reduced A-431 skin cancer cell viability to as low as 1% at 1000 µg/mL, with IC₅₀ values between 237 and 269 µg/mL. Interestingly, Fe NPs showed no activity, emphasizing the synergistic role of Zn and phenolic compounds in inducing apoptosis through ROS generation and oxidative stress.

In vitro antioxidant activities: (a) DPPH and (b) ABTS assays of the utilized plant extracts and their corresponding biofabricated NPs.

Metabolomics: The Key to Unlocking Plant-Based Nanomedicine  

This study underscores the importance of extraction protocols in green nanotechnology, demonstrating that hydroalcoholic extracts optimize NP coating while aqueous extracts enhance metal reduction. This study showcases how untargeted metabolomics is revolutionizing green nanotechnology. By mapping the phytochemical profile of henna, researchers identified key metabolites responsible for nanoparticle synthesis and bioactivity—phenolics as reducing agents and flavonoids as stabilizers. These findings are crucial for optimizing extraction protocols and refining nanoparticle design.

Unlike previous studies that relied on single-extraction methods, this work emphasizes the importance of multi-solvent metabolomic profiling to fully leverage plant diversity. The combination of LC/MS/MS with multivariate analysis (OPLS-DA) establishes a new standard for linking phytochemistry to functional outcomes, providing a reproducible framework for the development of plant-based therapies.

Partner with Metware Bio for Cutting-Edge Omics Solutions

At Metware Bio, we specialize in untargeted metabolomics, proteomics, and lipidomics to accelerate your green nanotechnology research. Our high-resolution mass spectrometry and expert team ensure precision in metabolite identification and data interpretation, while our customized extraction optimization services help you achieve maximum bioactive yield. From experimental design to data analysis, we offer a one-stop solution to streamline your workflow. Visit www.metwarebio.com to explore our metabolomics services and elevate your research today!

Reference

El-Fitiany RA, El Nahas R, Al Balkhi S, et al. Alchemy in Nature: The Role of Lawsonia inermis Extract Choice in Crafting Potent Anticancer Metal Nanoparticles. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2025;17(3):4637-4661. doi:10.1021/acsami.4c19585