Anticancer Potential of Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.ex.fr) P. Kumm. ethanol extract: In vitro cytotoxicity and apoptotic effects on HT29 colorectal cancer cells

Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.ex.fr) P. Kumm. (oyster mushroom) is a medicinal fungus known for its bioactive compounds, which exhibit potential anticancer properties. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of P. ostreatus extract on HT29 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. Fresh mushrooms were collected, authenticated, and subjected to ethanol extraction. The extract was analyzed for phytochemical constituents, followed by in vitro cytotoxicity assessment using MTT and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. Apoptosis induction was determined using acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining. The results demonstrated significant dose-dependent cytotoxicity and apoptosis in HT29 cells, suggesting that P. ostreatus could be a promising source of natural anticancer agents.