## 1 Introduction  
Nanotechnology is an emerging research discipline focusing on the synthesis and application of small particles called nanoparticles (NPs) (\(<\)100 nm) [1; 2; 3]. The term \"Nano\" originates from Latin, meaning dwarf. The advancement of molecular technology has facilitated the manipulation of atoms and molecules of certain materials, such as plants, resulting in the reduction to nanoparticles ranging from 1-100 nm in size [4; 5]. This field has various applications in biology, chemistry, energy science, medical science, and pharmaceutics [6; 7; 8]. The use of natural reagents as reductants and capping agents, such as biodegradable polymers, sugars, microorganisms, and plant extracts, are desirable for nanotechnology [9]. Nanomedicine links the gap between the physics of nanostructures and the biology leading to their medicinal importance [10]. Green syntheses, the eco-friendly processes utilized in the field of chemistry, are increasingly gaining popularity due to their potential in addressing global environmental issues [9; 11]. To achieve this objective, the utilization of natural resources (organic systems) and model solvent systems is imperative [12]. While the microbial approach to synthesize NPs is considered environmentally friendly, the utilization of plant materials in their production may be more advantageous, given the intricate steps involved in surface modification and the time-consuming nature of microbial screening [9; 13]. Biosynthetic methods use plant extracts to act as reducing and capping agents [14; 15; 16] and have emerged as a straightforward, viable, and environmentally friendly substitute for the more intricate chemical synthesis procedures for nanomaterials [17; 18]. Although the precise mechanism of synthesizing NPs using plant extracts remains unclear, it has been observed that biomolecules such as alkaloids, phenols, and flavonoids present in these extracts play a crucial role in reducing metal ions and capping the biosynthesized NPs [19; 20]. There has been great interest in metal NPs such as gold (Au) [21], copper (Cu) [22], and silver (Ag) [23; 24; 25] for treating various ailments due to their unique characteristics in terms of size, shape, and biological properties [26]. Cancer stands as a predominant cause of mortality in Africa, with 70% of deaths occurring in low to middle income countries [27]. Despite this, the focus on infectious diseases has taken precedence over cancer in the public health agenda of several African countries [28]. The administration of chemotherapy drugs for cancer treatment poses challenges due to their non-specific nature, leading to the development of multidrug resistance and subsequent toxicities associated with chemotherapy. As a result, patients often succumb to the adverse effects of the drugs rather than the disease itself [29; 30]. Antimicrobial resistance in South Africa is estimated to be linked with over 700,000 deaths every year. In 2018, cancer and benign tumors accounted for 9.7% of all mortality in the country [27; 28]. Nanomaterials are poised to revolutionize cancer treatment by enhancing early detection, prognosis, and therapy. NPs are expected to provide targeted delivery, enhanced efficacy of therapeutic agents, and resistance to multidrug resistance mechanisms [31; 32]. Additionally, NPs play a crucial role as antibacterial agents, especially in light of the rapid evolution of disease-causing microorganisms and their increasing resistance to traditional biocides [23; 24]. This necessitates the urgent development or modification of alternative treatments and antimicrobial compounds [2; 33]. Among all the metal NPs, silver NPs (AgNPs) have gained substantial attention due to their availability [34; 35] and their diverse applications in therapeutics, including antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer, and antioxidant activities [36; 37]. AgNPs are the most commercialized nanomaterial globally, with an annual production of five hundred tons [38; 39].