Evaluating the Anti-Cancer Effects of Black Maitake Mushroom Extract

Glioblastoma is a cancer of the glial cells and is the most frequently diagnosed brain cancer. Current treatments for glioblastoma include surgical resection, radiation and standard chemotherapy (Temozolomide). These treatments often cause adverse side effects at the benefit of only prolonging patients' lives by a few months; providing reason to substantiate the need for an alternative treatment option. Black Mushroom Extract (BME) is a non-toxic potential alternative treatment, having shown anti-cancer activity in human breast cancer cells. The anti-cancer activity of BME was tested using in-vitro models of glioblastoma cells (U-87 Mg) and analyzed by staining apoptotic cells using Annexin-V Propidium Iodide (AVPI). Further experimentation on the synergistic effects of BME and standard temozolomide indicated that lower doses of chemotherapy can be used when combined with BME. The mechanisms for induction of apoptosis by BME was assessed using reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial membrane destabilization. Since glioblastoma cells treated with BME have displayed significant levels of apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, there is substantial evidence to consider BME as an alternative cancer treatment.