Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2025
Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model
Published on: March 20, 2020
Selective Antineoplastic Potential of Fractionated Caribbean Native Ganoderma Species Extracts on Triple-Negative
Luz V Arroyo-Cruz1, Sebastián Sagardía-González2, Kurt Miller2
1Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón 00960-6032, Puerto Rico.
Abstract:
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 expression. It is known for its high malignancy, invasiveness, and propensity for metastasis, resulting in a poor prognosis due to the absence of beneficial therapeutic targets. Natural products derived from mushrooms have gained significant attention in neoplastic therapy due to their potential medicinal properties. The therapeutic potential of Ganoderma lucidum in breast cancer has been highlighted by our group, suggesting its use as an adjuvant treatment. The present study aims to assess the potential antineoplastic capacity of two Caribbean native Ganoderma species found in Puerto Rico, Ganoderma multiplicatum (G. multiplicatum) and Ganoderma martinicense (G. martinicense). Antiproliferative studies were conducted via cell viability assays after cultivation, harvesting, and fractionation of both species. The obtained results indicate that most of the fractions show some cytotoxicity against all cell lines, but 33% of the fractions (F1, F2, F7, F12) display selectivity towards cancer cell models. We demonstrate for the first time that native Ganoderma species can generate metabolites with anti-TNBC properties. Future avenues will focus on structure elucidation of the most active fractions of these Ganoderma extracts.
Insights
Native Caribbean Ganoderma mushrooms show potential against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Extracts from Ganoderma multiplicatum and Ganoderma martinicense exhibit selective anti-TNBC properties, offering new therapeutic avenues.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Pharmacognosy
- Oncology
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is aggressive and lacks targeted therapies.
- Mushroom-derived natural products show promise in cancer treatment.
- Ganoderma lucidum has demonstrated therapeutic potential in breast cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antineoplastic effects of two native Caribbean Ganoderma species.
- To identify potential anti-TNBC compounds from Ganoderma multiplicatum and Ganoderma martinicense.
Main Methods:
- Cultivation, harvesting, and fractionation of G. multiplicatum and G. martinicense.
- Antiproliferative activity assessed using cell viability assays.
- Selective cytotoxicity evaluated against cancer cell lines.
Main Results:
- Most fractions exhibited cytotoxicity against tested cell lines.
- 33% of fractions (F1, F2, F7, F12) showed selectivity towards cancer models.
- First evidence of anti-TNBC properties from these native Ganoderma species.
Conclusions:
- Native Caribbean Ganoderma species possess metabolites with anti-TNBC activity.
- Further research will focus on elucidating the structure of active compounds for drug development.
