Correlation-Driven Analysis of Synergistic Effects of Dual Medicinal Mushroom Extracts in a DMBA-Induced Murine Breast Cancer Model
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Abstract
Breast cancer remains a major global health burden, necessitating the development of safer, multi-targeted therapeutic approaches. This study evaluated the dose-response correlation between ethanol extracts of dual medicinal mushrooms (EECT) and therapeutic outcomes in a 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced murine breast cancer model. Female mice were orally administered EECT at doses of 300, 400, and 500 mg/kg over 30 weeks. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed through body weight gain, tumor volume and weight, and serum TNF-α levels. Pearson correlation analyses revealed statistically significant dose-dependent effects, including increased body weight gain (r = 0.976, p = 0.024), reduced tumor volume and weight (r = 0.427, p = 0.0419), and a strong inverse correlation with TNF-α levels (r = -0.994, p = 0.0478), indicating potent anti-inflammatory activity. These findings underscore a robust, measurable correlation between EECT dosage and multiple therapeutic endpoints. The synergistic cytotoxic and immunomodulatory actions of the dual mushroom extract contributed to the suppression of tumor progression, systemic inflammation, and physiological deterioration. EECT demonstrated strong dose-dependent therapeutic potential, supporting its application as a promising integrative intervention for breast cancer management.
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