Inonotus obliquus, commonly known as Chaga, is a medicinal mushroom long celebrated for its immune-supporting properties. Recent scientific research has identified a powerful bioactive compound within Chaga—inotodiol, a lanostane-type triterpenoid—with promising antitumor activity. This study investigated the effects of inotodiol on leukemia cells, revealing its ability to inhibit cancer cell proliferation.
The findings showed that inotodiol triggers apoptosis (programmed cell death) in leukemia P388 cells by activating caspase-3, a key enzyme involved in the apoptotic pathway. This effect was confirmed by observing DNA fragmentation and enhanced caspase-3/7 activity in treated cells. When a caspase-3 inhibitor was introduced, the effect was partially reversed, supporting the conclusion that inotodiol’s impact is caspase-dependent.
In a mouse model, inotodiol also demonstrated in vivo efficacy, significantly extending the survival time of leukemia-bearing mice. These results highlight the potential of inotodiol as a future natural anticancer agent, showcasing the power of mushroom-derived compounds in modern medicine.
