Antiproliferative effect of flavomannin-6,6′-dimethylether from Tricholoma equestre on Caco-2 cells

Several studies have been performed reporting antitumoral activity of different mushroom extracts. The current study reports the antiproliferative activity of flavomannin-6,6′-dimethylether obtained from a very common edible mushroom: Tricholoma equestre(L.)P.Kumm, and the characterization of its effects at molecular level. Concentrations causing 50% and 80% growth inhibition on human adenocarcinoma colorectal Caco-2 cells were determined (in μg/mL: IC50 = 96 ± 3 after 24 h and 78 ± 7 after 48 h, IC80 = 112 ± 4 after 24 h and 90 ± 3 after 48 h) by using MTT method. It was demonstrated that flavomannin-6,6′-dimethylether induced an arrest in G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle by flow cytometry analysis and an increase of p27 protein level by Western blot. Furthermore, this compound did not induce apoptosis by flow cytometry or DNA fragmentation by gel electrophoresis. Thus, it could be a promising agent due to its cytostatic effect against Caco-2 tumoral cells, and the absence of a genotoxic effect.