Evaluating the anticancer activity of black maitake odaira extract-prothera (Grifola frondosa) and its interactions with common chemotherapeutics in in-vitro and in-vivo models of human colorectal cancers.

OBJECTIVES: Black maitake odaira extract-prothera (Grifola frondosa; BME), a β-glucan-rich natural product, has demonstrated anticancer activities including immunomodulation, inhibition of metastasis, enhanced chemotherapy sensitivity, and induction of apoptosis. This study investigated the effects of BME on human colorectal cancer cell lines HCT-116 and HT-29, evaluated its interaction with FOLFOX chemotherapy, and assessed selectivity using the healthy human colon epithelial cell line NCM-460.

METHODS: Anticancer activity was evaluated in two- and three-dimensional colorectal cancer cell models by measuring apoptosis and mechanism of action using fluorogenic markers, cell viability via formazan reduction, and migration through wound-healing assays. Selectivity was assessed in healthy NCM-460 colon epithelial cells. In vivo antitumour efficacy was examined using xenografted immunocompromised mouse models.

RESULTS: BME induced time- and dose-dependent apoptosis, reduced viability and migration, increased reactive oxygen species, and mediated mitochondrial dysfunction. Positive interactions were observed with FOLFOX chemotherapy. In vivo, BME enhanced antitumour activity, while no apoptotic effects were detected in normal NCM-460 colon epithelial cells, indicating selectivity.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest BME may have potential as an adjunct to colorectal cancer therapy and justify further clinical evaluation.