Carcinogenesis

Abstract

The relentless progression of carcinogenesis, characterized by uncontrolled cellular proliferation and the acquisition of metastatic potential, remains a predominant cause of global mortality. Conventional therapeutic modalities—chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery—often face insurmountable barriers including multidrug resistance, lack of specificity, and debilitating systemic toxicity. This research article presents an exhaustive pharmacognostic investigation of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi), a Basidiomycete fungus historically revered for its life-extending properties, and positions it as a pivotal bio-resource in the green synthesis of a novel trimetallic nanotherapeutic system.

Our study rigorously authenticates G. lucidum through macroscopic, microscopic, and physicochemical analyses, confirming the presence of bioactive triterpenoids and polysaccharides capable of reducing metal salts. Leveraging this reducing capacity, we synthesized a hybrid core-shell nanoparticle architecture comprising superparamagnetic Iron Oxide (Fe_3O_4), plasmonic Gold (Au), and bioactive Selenium (Se). This investigation details the synthesis protocols, physicochemical characterization, and the theoretical underpinnings of utilizing this trimetallic system for simultaneous magnetic targeting, photothermal ablation, and selenium-mediated apoptosis. The results suggest that the integration of ancient pharmacognosy with avant-garde nanotechnology offers a paradigm shift in oncology, moving towards "green" theranostics that are both biocompatible and lethally effective against neoplastic cells.