Ganoderma lucidum extract inhibits proliferation of SW 480 human colorectal cancer cells.
OBJECTIVE
Ganoderma lucidum is a commonly used Chinese herb and an important ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine herbal formulations for immune dysfunction related illnesses. The effects of this medicinal mushroom on human colorectal cancer cells have not yet been evaluated. In this study, we investigated the effects of Ganoderma lucidum extract using SW 480 human colorectal cancer cell line.


METHODS
Two different fractions of Ganoderma lucidum extract, i.e., a fraction containing mainly polysaccharides (GLE-1), and a triterpenoid fraction without polysaccharides (GLE-2) were analyzed. Their antiproliferative activity was evaluated by cell proliferation assay and 3H-thymidine incorporation assay. Scavenging effects of DPPH radical were assessed using ESR-spectroscopy.


RESULTS
Our data showed that both GLE-1 and GLE-2 significantly inhibited the proliferation of SW 480 cells. The inhibitory effect of GLE-2 was much stronger than that of GLE-1. GLE-1 inhibited DNA synthesis in the cells and reduced the formation of DPPH radicals.


CONCLUSIONS
Ganoderma lucidum extract inhibits proliferation of human colorectal cancer cells and possesses antioxidant properties.
Xie
J T
JT
Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research, the Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, USA.
Wang
C Z
CZ
Wicks
S
S
Yin
J J
JJ
Kong
J
J
Li
J
J
Li
Y C
YC
Yuan
C S
CS
D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms; D004261:DNA Replication / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000494:pharmacology; D020940:Reishi; D013936:Thymidine / Q000378:metabolism
D010936:Plant Extracts; D011134:Polysaccharides; D013936:Thymidine