Anticancer Potential of Black Ginseng Extract in a Breast Cancer Cell Xenograft Mouse Model

Background/Aim: This study evaluated the potential of black ginseng extract (BGE) for breast cancer prevention and treatment. Specifically, the effects of BGE on the proliferation of human breast cancer cells and the growth of solid breast tumors in mice were investigated.

Materials and Methods: The antitumor efficacy of BGE was assessed by evaluating its cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in vitro. In vivo, MDA-MB-231 cell xenograft nude mice were treated orally with BGE, and tumor volume, weight, and size, as well as body weight, were analyzed. Liver and spleen weights were measured, and histopathological examinations were performed to assess potential toxic effects of BGE on non-cancerous tissues.

Results: In vitro, BGE demonstrated significant cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 cells, even at a minimum concentration of 100 μg/ml. In vivo, BGE treatment in MDA-MB-231 xenograft mice significantly reduced tumor weight and size without affecting body weight or tumor volume progression. Additionally, no significant differences in liver and spleen weights or histopathological abnormalities were observed, indicating the non-toxicity of BGE to major organs.

Conclusion: BGE exhibited promising antitumor activity against breast cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo, with no detectable toxicity to vital organs. These findings highlighted the potential of BGE as an effective and safe therapeutic or preventive agent for breast cancer.