Comparative in vitro cytotoxicity of aqueous extracts of Brassica oleracea and Flammulina velutipes on prostate cancer cells

Sep 22, 2026

Prostate cancer remains a leading malignancy in men, and common therapies can cause serious side effects that impair quality of life. This study compared the cytotoxic effects of aqueous extracts from broccoli (Brassica oleracea) and a medicinal mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) on human prostate cancer cells versus normal HFF-1 fibroblast cells. Extracts were tested across 25–800 μg/ml using an MTT assay, with safety assessed alongside morphological observations.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

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Pages9

Reading Time23 min

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Abstract

Background

Aim

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Introduction

Open Veterinary Journal,(2026), Vol. 16(2): 1162-1170 Research Article DOI: 10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i2.34 Eldaghayes Publisher [www.eldaghayes.com](www.eldaghayes.com) | Submitted: 05/09/2025 Revised: 22/12/2025 Accepted: 08/01/2026 Published: 28/02/2026
Comparative in vitro cytotoxicity of aqueous extracts of Brassica oleracea and Flammulina velutipes on prostate cancer cells
Alaa M. Dh. Al-Haidari1 , Roaa M. H. Shoker2* and Israa Ahmed Ali1
1Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq 2Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Wasit, Wasit, Iraq | | | --- | --- | | ABSTRACT
Background: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. Current treatments include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. These options improve survival but often cause serious side effects. Therefore, researchers are looking for natural products that may provide safer anticancer effects. Broccoli (Brassica oleracea) and mushrooms (Flammulina velutipes) contain many bioactive compounds. These include phenols, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. Such compounds are known for their antioxidant and anticancer activities.
Aim: This study aimed to compare the cytotoxic effects of aqueous extracts from broccoli and mushroom. The cytotoxic activity of aqueous extracts of broccoli and mushroom was evaluated on human prostate cancer cells and normal human foreskin fibroblast-1 (HFF-1) cells. This study used the total aqueous extract of broccoli without separating specific phytochemicals. No quantification of a specific ingredient was included because the focus was on the overall cytotoxic effect.
Methods: Extracts were prepared by drying, grinding, and dissolving the plant material in distilled water. They were then tested at concentrations between 25 and 800 μg/ml. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to measure cell viability after 24 hours of treatment. Normal HFF-1 levels were also tested for safety. Morphological changes were observed using SEM.
Results: Both extracts reduced cancer cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. At 800 μg/ml, broccoli extract reduced viability to 56.75%, whereas mushroom extract reduced viability to 41.09% . The IC50 values were 856.33 μg/ml for broccoli and 713.37 μg/ml for mushroom. SEM analysis revealed more pronounced cell shrinkage and surface damage with mushroom extract. Normal HFF-1 cells remained largely unaffected, but broccoli showed slightly more toxicity than mushroom. The differences between the two extracts were significant (p ≤ 0.05). The IC50 values were 856.3 µg/ml for broccoli and 713.4 µg/ml for mushroom extract. Normal HFF-1 cells remained largely unaffected, indicating that mushroom extract has a better safety profile and higher selectivity.
Conclusion: Mushroom extract was more effective than broccoli extract in reducing prostate cancer cell viability. Keywords: Anticancer activity, Brassica oleracea, Cytotoxicity, Flammulina velutipes, Prostate cancer. | | | Introduction
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men worldwide and is considered the second leading cause of cancer-related death (Rawla, 2019; Sung et al., 2020) . Its incidence increases with age, with the average age of diagnosis around 66 years (Cheng et al., 2023) . Despite advances in surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, many patients experience side effects that reduce their quality of life. Due to these challenges, attention has turned toward alternative treatments, especially those derived from natural sources. Many plants and fungal extracts contain compounds that may slow cancer progression or reduce tumor survival (Kallifatidis et al., 2016) . | Broccoli is a widely consumed cruciferous vegetable known for its health-promoting properties. It is rich in bioactive compounds, including phenols, flavonoids, terpenes, vitamins, and glucosinolates (Li et al., 2021) . These com

FAQs

What was the aim of the study?

To compare the cytotoxic effects of aqueous extracts from broccoli and Flammulina velutipes on human prostate cancer cells and normal HFF-1 cells.

How were the plant and mushroom extracts prepared and tested?

Extracts were prepared by drying, grinding, and dissolving plant material in distilled water, then tested at 25–800 μg/ml using an MTT assay after 24 hours.

What were the main findings about cytotoxicity and safety?

Both extracts reduced cancer cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, with mushroom extract showing higher selectivity; normal HFF-1 cells were largely unaffected. SEM indicated more pronounced shrinkage and surface damage with the mushroom extract.

Sep 22, 2026

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