Investigating the effects of hericium erinaceus extracts on telomerase activity in MCF-7 cells

Hericium erinaceus (Basidiomycetes) class, is an edible mushroom widely grows on dead or decaying trees especially in Japan and China. The aim of this thesis is to determine the effects of Hericium erinaceus extracts on telomerase activity in MCF-7 estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cell lines. Firstly, we determined the effects of six different Hericium erinaceus extracts (Ethanol, Ether, Ethylacetate, Ethanol-water, Methnol-water, Water) on cell viability in MCF-7 cells by WST8 method. Water extract was found to be the most effective extract among others in the inhibition of cell viability. The IC(50) dose of Hericeum erinaseus water extract was detected as 250 µg/ml at 72 h in MCF-7 cells. After incubation with 250 µg/ml water extract for 72 h., cells were collected and effects of water extract on telomerase activity were analyzed. Hericium erinaceus showed no significant effect on telomerase activity in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Therefore, it is contemplated that water extract of Hericium erinaceus shows its cytotoxic effects through other mechanisms in MCF-7 cells.