In a groundbreaking study, Dr. Swapan Kumar Ghosh, a distinguished researcher from Bengal, has identified a potent anticancer compound in the Astraeus asiaticus mushroom, commonly found in the forests of Bankura and Birbhum. This discovery offers promising avenues for the prevention and treatment of cervical, breast, and lung cancers. Dr. Ghosh, a professor at the Ramkrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College in Rahara, has dedicated his research to exploring the medicinal properties of this indigenous mushroom, culminating in the identification of a compound named F12 with significant anticancer potential.
Dr. Ghosh’s interest in the Astraeus asiaticus mushroom, locally known as “Kurkura,” stems from his personal observations and cultural heritage. Growing up in Khairasol, Birbhum, he noticed that local communities, particularly tribal populations, regularly consumed these mushrooms and appeared to exhibit resistance to various ailments. This anecdotal evidence prompted a systematic investigation into the mushroom’s potential health benefits. Further surveys conducted by his student, Kaushik Pandey, in Bankura revealed a lower prevalence of cancer in regions where the mushroom was a dietary staple, strengthening the hypothesis of its protective properties.
Astraeus asiaticus is a type of ectomycorrhizal fungus that forms symbiotic relationships with trees such as Mahua and Sal. These mushrooms typically emerge during the rainy season, growing around the base of these trees. They have been a part of the local diet for generations, valued not only for their culinary appeal but also for their purported medicinal properties.
Research Publication and Findings
The pivotal findings of Dr. Ghosh’s research were published in the journal Scientific Reports, under the title “Mycochemistry, Antioxidant, Anticancer Activity, and Molecular Docking of Compounds of F12 of Ethyl Acetate Extract of Astraeus asiaticus with BcL2 and Caspase 3.” This study delved into the chemical composition of the mushroom extract, identifying six unique compounds:
- 3,4,5,6-Tetramethyloctane
- Hexadecanoic acid
- 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid
- 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid methyl ester
- 1-Cyclododecyne
- Cis-9,10-Epoxyoctadecan-1-ol
Among these, 3,4,5,6-Tetramethyloctane, Hexadecanoic acid, and 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid exhibited notable anticancer activities, while 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid methyl ester demonstrated significant antioxidant properties.
Mechanisms of Action
The anticancer efficacy of the F12 compound is attributed to several mechanisms:
- Induction of Apoptosis: F12 promotes programmed cell death in cancer cells by activating apoptotic pathways.
- LDH Leakage: The compound causes leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) from cancer cells, indicating membrane damage and cell death.
- Gene Regulation: F12 upregulates apoptotic genes such as Caspase 3 and 9 and influences the tumor suppressor gene p53, enhancing the cell’s ability to undergo apoptosis.
- Inhibition of Anti-Apoptotic Genes: The compound inhibits the BcL2 gene, which is known to prevent apoptosis, thereby facilitating cancer cell death.
Overcoming Drug Resistance
A significant challenge in cancer treatment is the development of drug resistance, often mediated by proteins like CYP1A and CYP2C9 that expel anticancer drugs from cells. Notably, Hexadecanoic acid and 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid in F12 bind to these proteins, inhibiting their function. This inhibition prevents the expulsion of the therapeutic compounds, thereby enhancing the efficacy of F12 against cancer cells.
Safety Profile
One of the most compelling aspects of F12 is its selective toxicity. Unlike conventional chemotherapy, which indiscriminately targets rapidly dividing cells and often harms healthy tissues, F12 exhibits specificity towards cancer cells. This selectivity suggests a reduced risk of adverse effects, making it a promising candidate for cancer therapy.
Future Directions
Building on these promising preclinical results, Dr. Ghosh is preparing to initiate human clinical trials in collaboration with a government hospital in Kolkata. These trials aim to validate the compound’s efficacy and safety in humans, a crucial step towards developing F12 into a viable anticancer drug.
Dr. Swapan Kumar Ghosh’s discovery of the anticancer properties of the Astraeus asiaticus mushroom represents a significant advancement in cancer research. The identification of the F12 compound offers hope for more effective and safer cancer treatments, particularly for cervical, breast, and lung cancers. As research progresses into clinical trials, this indigenous mushroom may soon contribute to global efforts in combating cancer, underscoring the potential of natural products in modern medicine.
