Abstract
Application of substances from medicinal mushrooms is one of the interesting approaches to improve cancer therapy. In this study, we commenced a new attempt in the field of Heterobasidion annosum (Fr.) Bref. sensu lato to further extend our knowledge on this basidiomycete fungus. For this purpose, analysis of the active substances of Heterobasidion annosum methanolic extract and also its influence on colorectal cancer in terms of in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed. In vivo studies on mice were conducted to verify its acute toxicity and to further affirm its anticancer potential. Results indicated that all the most common substances of best known medicinal mushrooms that are also responsible for their biological activity are present in tested extracts. In vitro tests showed a high hemocompatibility and a significant decrease in viability and proliferation of DLD-1 cells in a concentration-dependent manner of Heterobasidion annosum extract. The studies performed on xenograft model of mice showed lower tendency of tumor growth in the group of mice receiving Heterobasidion annosum extract as well as mild or moderate toxicity. Obtained results suggest beneficial potential of Heterobasidion annosum against colon cancer as cytotoxic agent or as adjuvant anticancer therapy.
Highlights
Heterobasidion annosum (Fr.) Bref. sensu lato (s.l.) (Basidiomycota) is considered to be one of the most serious pathogens that cause both root and butt rot in conifer forests in the northern boreal and temperate regions of the world [1,2,3,4,5]
The relatively high content of L-tryptophan, serotonin, and tryptamine was noticeable [32]. These results are similar to extract from Heterobasidion annosum (HA) because high amounts of indole compounds have been quantified in fruiting bodies
Qualitative analysis of the used mushroom extract showed the presence of many bioactive substances important in controlling many human and animal diseases, i.e., by exerting pleiotropic biological activities for organism such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antibacterial, and immunomodulatory activity
Summary
Heterobasidion annosum (Fr.) Bref. sensu lato (s.l.) (Basidiomycota) is considered to be one of the most serious pathogens that cause both root and butt rot in conifer forests in the northern boreal and temperate regions of the world [1,2,3,4,5]. Among the environmental factors predisposing to the development of colorectal cancer, attention is paid to potentially modifiable factors such as obesity, diabetes, alcohol abuse, smoking, lack of physical activity, and a high-fat diet with a large content of red meat For this reason, the incidence of colon cancer is constantly increasing. The mushrooms with proven anticancer activity belong to the genus Phellinus, Pleurotus, Agaricus, Ganoderma, Clitocybe, Antrodia, Trametes, Cordyceps, Xerocomus, Calvatia, Schizophyllum, Flammulina, Suillus, Inonotus, Inocybe, Funlia, Lactarius, Albatrellus, Russula, and Fomes [21] Extracts from these mushrooms contain bioactive compounds, including proteins, polysaccharides, glycosides, phenols, tocopherols, carotenoids, flavonoids, and organic acids able to inhibit mitosis and angiogenesis, induce apoptosis, and restrain proliferation of neoplastic cells. The influence of HA methanolic extract on colorectal cancer cells in terms of in vitro and in vivo experiments was investigated
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