Triterpenoids of Ganoderma lucidum inhibited S180 sarcoma and H22 hepatoma in mice by regulating gut microbiota

In order to explore effect of natural plant extracts on anti-tumor and prevent tumor development. The study assessed the antitumor effect of triterpenoids of Ganoderma lucidum (TGL) on S180 and H22 tumor bearing mice. A triterpene compound, 2 & alpha;, 3 & alpha;, 23-trihydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid, was successfully isolated and purified from G. lucidum. S180 and H22 cells were subcutaneously inoculated in the left axilla of mice to establish a transplantable tumor model. After, the mice were orally treated with TGL and evaluated by tumor inhibition rate, organ index, and the serum index. The Bax and Bcl-2 proteins and gut microbiota was analyzed using western blot and 16S rDNA sequencing respectively. The results showed the tumor inhibition rates of TGL were higher than 40% in H22 and S180 tumor bearing mice. TGL had a protective effect on the spleen and thymus, and improved lipid peroxidation caused by the increased free radicals. TGL down-regulated Bcl-2 and upregulated Bax. In particular, TGL treatment improved the reduction of gut microbiota richness and structure.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the anti-tumor effect of triterpenoids of Ganoderma lucidum (TGL) on S180 and H22 tumor bearing mice. The results showed that TGL had inhibition rates higher than 40% in tumor bearing mice. TGL had protective effects on the spleen and thymus, improved lipid peroxidation, down-regulated Bcl-2, upregulated Bax, and improved gut microbiota.