Evaluating the anticancer potential of black maitake extract in A375 human malignant melanoma cells

Melanoma is one of the deadliest skin cancers, characterized by high metastatic potential and poor prognosis in advanced stages. While chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide (TMZ) is the standard treatment, its clinical utility is hindered by toxicity and limited specificity. OBJECTIVES: mushroom as a complementary treatment for melanoma, examining its apoptotic, anti-migratory, and anti-proliferative effects in 2D and 3D models. We aim to investigate the therapeutic potential of BME alone and in combination with standard chemotherapy in A375 melanoma cells. METHODS: A375 melanoma cells were treated with BME alone and in combination with TMZ. Cell viability was quantified via Trypan Blue exclusion assays. Apoptosis was assessed using Hoechst 33342, Annexin V, and propidium iodide staining, while mitochondrial depolarization was evaluated using TMRM staining. Cancer cell migration was analyzed through wound healing assays, and 3D spheroid cultures were used to evaluate how BME disrupts complex tumour-like structures. RESULTS: BME induced dose-dependent apoptosis in 2D cell models. BME enhanced the efficacy of TMZ in inducing apoptosis when treated in combination. Wound healing assays revealed a marked reduction in cell migration, particularly in combination treatments with TMZ. In 3D cell cultures, BME with TMZ exhibited increased mitochondrial depolarization. CONCLUSIONS: BME demonstrates pro-apoptotic and anti-migratory activity in melanoma cells, while improving the efficacy of standard chemotherapy. These findings support its potential as an effective adjuvant natural health product for melanoma treatment.