Hericium erinaceus extract induces apoptosis via PI3K/AKT and RAS/MAPK signaling pathways in prostate cancer cells

Prostate cancer (PCa) is increasing globally, surpassing lung cancer in incidence. Despite available treatment options, prostate cancer remains incurable. Hence, there is an urgent demand for novel therapeutic strategies in treating PCa. Hericium erinaceus (HE), a medicinal mushroom, offers diverse therapeutic benefits. We examined HE's effects on PCa cells, preparing an ethanol extract and identifying its volatile compounds through GC‐MS. MTT assay assessed cell viability, while specific inhibitors and western blotting explored HE's impact on PI3K/AKT and RAS/MAPK pathways. Flow cytometry and ELISA evaluated apoptosis induction. HE showed concentration‐ and time‐dependent cytotoxicity on PCa cells with minimal impact on normal cells. Mechanistically, HE suppressed PI3K/AKT and RAS/MAPK pathways, reducing phosphorylated protein levels. Moreover, it induced PCa cell apoptosis. These findings suggest HE as a potential therapeutic for prostate cancer, shedding light on its cytotoxic and apoptotic effects for further investigation.