Mushroom against Cancer: Aqueous Extract of Fomitopsis betulina in Fight against Tumors

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> This study investigated the anticancer potential of an aqueous extract of the fungus <i>Fomitopsis betulina</i>. <b>Methods:</b> The study assessed the effect of the extract on nine cancer cell lines, including melanoma (LM-MEL-75), lung cancer (A549), and colorectal cancer (HT29, LoVo), and four normal cell lines. The cytotoxicity of the extract was evaluated using MTT, sulforhodamine-B (SRB), and clonogenic viability assays. Additionally, the study examined the effect of the extract on plant model organisms, garden cress (<i>Lepidium sativum</i>) and common onion (Allium cepa), to further investigate its biological activity. <b>Results:</b> The assays demonstrated selective cytotoxicity of the extract toward cancer cells, while sparing normal cells. The extract induced significant cytotoxic effects at lower concentrations in lung cancer, melanoma, and colon cancer cells, showing promise as a potential anticancer agent. The results also revealed that the extract inhibited seed germination and root growth, suggesting its potential to disrupt cell cycles and induce apoptosis. <b>Conclusions:</b> This study highlights the therapeutic potential of <i>F. betulina</i> and highlights the need for further research to identify the active ingredients and mechanisms underlying its anticancer effects.