Cytotoxicity and Anticancer Activity of Donkioporiella mellea on MRC5 (Normal Human Lung) and A549 (Human Lung Carcinoma) Cells Lines
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 2020-12-09
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Summary
This research investigated the potential anticancer properties of a Malaysian mushroom species called Donkioporiella mellea. The study found that extracts from this mushroom could selectively kill lung cancer cells while causing minimal harm to normal lung cells. This discovery has important implications for everyday life:
• Could lead to new natural cancer treatments with fewer side effects
• Demonstrates the untapped potential of Malaysian biodiversity for medicine
• Shows promise for developing new dietary supplements from mushrooms
• Highlights the importance of preserving forest ecosystems where medicinal mushrooms grow
• Opens possibilities for sustainable production of natural medicines
Background
Malaysia is a megadiverse country rich in fungal species, particularly polypores which have been traditionally used as herbal remedies. Despite their significant medicinal importance, only a few local species have been studied for their pharmacological potential. Polypores are mushrooms containing bioactive compounds with various therapeutic properties that have been used in traditional medicine for generations.
Objective
To establish the cytotoxicity potentials of Donkioporiella mellea, a local polypore species from Malaysia, by evaluating its effects on normal human lung (MRC5) and human lung carcinoma (A549) cell lines at the cellular level.
Results
MRC5 cells showed significantly higher survival rates compared to A549 after treatments. Cold aqueous extract demonstrated higher cytotoxicity compared to hot aqueous extract with IC50 values of 414.29μg/ml and >1000μg/ml respectively. The cold aqueous extract showed selective cytotoxicity against A549 cancer cells while being less harmful to normal MRC5 cells. Morphological changes in treated cells were observed through microscopy.
Conclusion
Hot aqueous extract of D. mellea was found safe for human consumption at cellular level, while cold aqueous extract showed promising anticancer potential against A549 cells. The study suggests D. mellea possesses pharmacological potential that can be utilized as a new bioresource alternative, warranting further research in mycological and nutraceutical studies.
- Published in:Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine,
- Study Type:In Vitro Study,
- Source: 10.1155/2020/7415672