An increasing number of people with cervical cancer encourages the search for bioactive compounds from natural ingredients such as from macroscopic fungi that have the potential to induce apoptosis. Jew’s ear fungus (Auricularia auricula) is an edible mushroom that is also commonly used by the community for medicinal purposes including curing cancer, thus this research was carried out to obtain scientific evidence about its potential as an anticancer agent. The study aimed to examine the cytotoxic, antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of ethyl acetate extract of the mushroom on cervical cancer cells (HeLa) in vitro. The research was done experimentally, in which cytotoxic and antiproliferative tests were carried out using MTT (3-[4, 5 dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay while apoptosis test was using flow cytometry method. The obtained data of cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects were analyzed by linear regression, while apoptosis test result was analyzed descriptively. The results showed that the best cytotoxic effect was ethyl acetate extract of mushroom fruit body with IC50 538 µg/ml value. Antiproliferative analysis of HeLa cells showed the best inhibitory ability of ethyl acetate extract of the mushroom fruit body at 24 hours incubation time. The flow cytometry test showed that HeLa cell death through apoptotic mechanisms is higher than that of necrotic.

Nuraeni Ekowati

Ardhini Rin Maharning

Nuniek Ina Ratnaningtyas

Aris Mumpuni

Arief Rahmah Hikam