Cytotoxic effects of encapsulated Ganoderma lucidum extract on colorectal cancer cells

Ganoderma lucidum (G. Lucidum), a type of fungus known for its multifaceted biological effects, exhibits high levels of anticancer activity and demonstrates therapeutic potential for many cancer types. However, limited absorption and low toxicity are observed in the use of G. Lucidum extract. To overcome this, it is believed that encapsulation technology could be an effective way to facilitate the treatment of cancer cells. In this study, we aimed to determine the cytotoxic effect of encapsulating G. Lucidum extract with a maltodextrin carrier matrix on the colorectal cancer cell line. To determine the encapsulation efficiency, TPC analysis, fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scaning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses were performed. Additionally, cell viability tests (CVDK-8), wound healing, and AO/EB staining experiments were conducted to determine the effectiveness of the encapsulation on the cells. TPC analysis, FTIR, and SEM results showed that G. Lucidum extract was effectively encapsulated and that phenolic compounds were preserved. On the other hand, it was determined that encapsulation of G. Lucidum extract reduced the viability of colorectal cancer cell line HCT-116 in a dose- and time-dependent ways, with IC50 values of 280 µM and 168 µM at 24 and 48 hours, respectively. Subsequent analyses showed that encapsulated G. Lucidum extract reduced the migration ability of HCT-116 cells, leading them to apoptosis. Based on these results, it is thought that G. Lucidum encapsulation is effective in treating HCT-116 cells, but further studies are needed to support these findings.