Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Bioactive Compounds of Iraqi Truffle Terfezia claveryi (Ascomycetes), Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles, and Appraisal of Its Biological Activities.

Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) is a highly selective method that reduces the time and number of solvents used, has high efficiency, and is environmentally friendly. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant, anticancer, and antibacterial activities of Iraqi Terfezia claveryi desert truffle extract and silver nanoparticles by MAE using water and hexane as extraction solvents. Chemical compositions were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Silver nanoparticles were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy. Antioxidant activity was assessed with the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against four types of pathogenic bacteria, and anticancer activity was also assessed. The T. claveryi hexane extract showed approximately 18 bioactive compounds, with an antioxidant half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 6.896 μg/mL. This extract also had significant antibacterial action against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A cytotoxicity test of the hexane extract showed moderate toxicity against hepatocellular carcinoma mouse (HCAM) liver cancer cells. Acridine orange/ ethidium bromide staining showed apoptosis and DNA damage in HCAM cells treated with the hexane extract. The results of this study suggest that components of the T. claveryi wild desert truffle could have important nutrition functions that might support the immune system in fighting liver diseases when taken in daily regular doses.