Unveiling the Dual Role of Gastrodin: Cytotoxic and Antimetastatic Effects in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells and Safety in Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents an aggressive and therapeutically challenging subtype of breast carcinoma, characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2 expression. Given its propensity for metastasis and limited treatment options, novel therapeutic candidates are urgently needed. Gastrodin, a bioactive compound derived from Gastrodia elata, has demonstrated diverse pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. This study aimed to investigate the antiproliferative and antimigratory effects of gastrodin on the MDA-MB-231 TNBC cell line and evaluate its cytotoxicity on non-malignant adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) to assess selectivity. Cell viability was determined using the MTT assay across a concentration range of 5–1000 µM, and wound healing assays were employed to assess migratory behavior. Results indicated a dose-dependent reduction in MDA-MB-231 cell viability, with an IC₅₀ of 587.6 µM, while ADMSCs exhibited minimal cytotoxicity at 100 µM, suggesting a favorable safety profile. Furthermore, treatment with 100 µM gastrodin significantly inhibited cell migration compared with untreated controls. These findings underscore the potential of gastrodin as a candidate for TNBC therapy, particularly given its selective cytotoxicity toward malignant cells and its ability to suppress migration, a key step in metastasis. Collectively, this study contributes to the growing evidence supporting natural compounds as promising alternatives for combating aggressive breast cancer subtypes.