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Ganoderma tsugae extracts inhibit colorectal cancer cell growth via G(2)/M cell cycle arrest
Shih-Chung Hsu1, Chien-Chih Ou, Jhy-Wei Li
1Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Kang-Ning Junior College of Medical Care and Management, Taipei, Taiwan.
Ethnopharmacological Relevance:
Ganoderma, known as Lingzhi or Reishi, has been traditionally administered throughout Asia for centuries as a cancer treatment and for other medicinal purposes.
Aim Of The Study:
To investigate the inhibitory activity and explore the molecular mechanisms of anti-tumor effect on colorectal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo as well as to test the side effects of Ganoderma tsugae.
Materials And Methods:
Methanol fraction was obtained from dried fruiting bodies of Ganoderma. TLC and HPLC were performed to differentiate and confirm the identification of different species as well as to quantify the bioactive molecules in methanol extracts of Ganoderma species. MTT and Trypan blue exclusion assay as well as tumorigenesis study were used to assess the anti-tumor effect in vitro and in vivo. Using flow cytometry and Western Blots, we examined further the molecular mechanisms of anti-tumor effect. Finally, biochemical and hematological profiles and pathological examinations were used to evaluate the safety.
Results:
The Ganoderma tsugae extracts inhibit colorectal cancer cell proliferation caused by accumulating cells in G(2)/M phase, and it may be through downregulation of cyclin A and B1 and upregulation of p21 and p27. Tumorigenesis study in nude mice revealed the extracts caused tumor shrinkage. Additionally, safety assay showed Ganoderma tsugae extracts caused no significant side effects in an animal model.
Conclusions:
This study provides molecular evidence that Ganoderma tsugae extracts exert anti-tumor effects both in vitro and in vivo on colorectal adenocarcinoma cells by inducing G(2)/M cell cycle arrest. More importantly, no significant physiological changes resulting from treatment with Ganoderma tsugae extracts were observed in the animal model. Therefore, these data provide new insights into the possible therapeutic use of Ganoderma tsugae for treating colorectal cancer.
Insights
Ganoderma tsugae extracts show anti-tumor effects on colorectal cancer by inducing cell cycle arrest. This traditional remedy demonstrated significant tumor shrinkage in vivo with no observed side effects in animal models.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
- Natural Products
Background:
- Ganoderma (Lingzhi/Reishi) has a long history of traditional use in Asia for medicinal purposes, including cancer treatment.
- Investigating the scientific basis of traditional remedies is crucial for modern medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anti-tumor activity of Ganoderma tsugae extracts against colorectal cancer cells.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor effects.
- To assess the safety and potential side effects of Ganoderma tsugae.
Main Methods:
- Methanol extracts from Ganoderma tsugae fruiting bodies were prepared and analyzed using TLC and HPLC.
- In vitro anti-tumor effects were assessed using MTT and Trypan blue assays.
- In vivo anti-tumor activity was evaluated through a tumorigenesis study in nude mice.
- Molecular mechanisms were explored using flow cytometry and Western Blots.
- Safety was evaluated through biochemical, hematological, and pathological examinations.
Main Results:
- Ganoderma tsugae extracts inhibited colorectal cancer cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase.
- Molecular analysis indicated potential downregulation of cyclin A/B1 and upregulation of p21/p27.
- In vivo studies showed significant tumor shrinkage in nude mice.
- Safety assessments revealed no significant adverse effects in the animal model.
Conclusions:
- Ganoderma tsugae extracts exhibit anti-tumor effects on colorectal adenocarcinoma cells through G2/M cell cycle arrest, supported by in vitro and in vivo data.
- The study provides molecular evidence for the efficacy of Ganoderma tsugae against colorectal cancer.
- Ganoderma tsugae extracts appear safe for therapeutic use, with no significant physiological side effects observed in animal models, suggesting potential for colorectal cancer treatment.
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