Phytochemical analysis and in vitro study on Tremella fuciformis as antioxidant and growth inhibitor of breast MCF-7 cancer cells

Breast cancer is the most common cancer found in women. White fungus (Tremella fuciformis) is a candidate for the therapeutic agent because it contains various phytochemical components that potentially become antioxidants and cytotoxic agents against cancer cells.

To determine the phytochemical components, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxic activity of Tremella fuciformis against MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Maceration and extraction of Tremella fuciformis were done using polar, semipolar, and nonpolar solvents (ethanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane). The phytochemical components were analyzed through phytochemical tests, determination of total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The evaluation of antioxidant activity was carried out using DPPH while the evaluation of cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cells was carried out using the MTT method.

The ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts of Tremella fuciformis contained flavonoids and triterpenoids, while the n-hexane extract contained glycosides and triterpenoids. The TLC test showed that there were five compounds in the ethyl acetate and n-hexane extracts, and three compounds in the ethanol extract. Highly active antioxidant activity was shown in the ethyl acetate extract (IC₅₀ = 44.64μg/mL) and weak activity was shown in the ethanol extract (IC₅₀ = 367.87 μg/mL). The ethyl acetate and n-hexane extract had moderate cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 cells (IC₅₀ = 39.04 μg/mL and 43.2 μg/mL, respectively). In addition, the ethanol extract had a weak cytotoxic effect (IC₅₀ = 154.87 μg/mL).

Tremella fuciformis has the potential to be developed as a novel therapeutic agent in the management of breast cancer.