In vitro and in silico anticancer evaluation of a medicinal mushroom, Ganoderma neo‐japonicum Imazeki, against human colonic carcinoma cells

Abstract

Ganoderma neo‐japonicum is a well‐known medicinal mushroom in Asian countries. However, scientific validations on its curative activities are confined to cirrhosis and diabetes. In this study, the anticancer properties of G. neo‐japonicum were evaluated using cellular and computational models. The ethanolic extract (EtOH) with a promising inhibitory effect was fractionated into four different fractions: hexane (Hex), chloroform (Chl), butanol (Btn), and aqueous (Aq). The active fractions were then subjected to cell apoptosis assessment and phytochemical profiling. Molecular docking was conducted to elucidate the affinity of selected constituents towards antiapoptotic Bcl‐2 protein. The butanol fraction showed the highest antioxidant activities as well as total phenolic content. Both hexane and chloroform fractions exerted a potent cytotoxic effect on colonic carcinoma cells through the induction of apoptosis. Phytochemical analysis revealed that the chloroform fraction is terpenoid enriched whereas the hexane fraction comprises predominantly sterol constituents. Stellasterol and 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 3‐glycoside were demonstrated to have a high affinity towards Bcl‐2 protein. Overall, G. neo‐japonicum can be considered as a compelling therapeutic candidate for cancer treatment.

Comprehensive Analysis of Bioactive Compounds in Wild Ganoderma applanatum Mushroom from Kerala, South India: Insights into Dietary Nutritional, Mineral, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Activities

“…Ganoderma spp. have a diverse variety of phytochemicals, including alkaloids, amino acids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, proteins and polysaccharides, steroids, and terpenoids, with advantages in food and medicine, including antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antidiabetic, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-adipogenic [ 21 ], and anticancer properties [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ]. This has led to a great deal of curiosity regarding in-depth analysis of this mushroom.…”

Ganoderma lucidum Spore Polysaccharide Inhibits the Growth of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Altering Macrophage Polarity and Induction of Apoptosis

“…They can repair the body's immune system and even cure tumors [ 5 ]. Ganoderma lucidum , which is also called “Lingzhi” has been used medicinally for more than 2000 years [ 6 ] and has been regarded as an effective medicinal compound, reinforcing healthy qi to restore normal function and prolong life and has almost no toxic side effects [ 7 ]. G. lucidum spores are microscopic and are ejected from the cap during growth and maturation.…”