Herbal medicine and its impact on the gut microbiota in colorectal cancer

Abstract

It is well-established that there are trillions of gut microbiota (GM) in the human gut. GM and its metabolites can reportedly cause cancer by causing abnormal immune responses. With the development of sequencing technology and the application of germ-free models in recent years, significant inroads have been achieved in research on GM and microbiota-related metabolites. Accordingly, the role and mechanism of GM in colorectal cancer (CRC) development have been gradually revealed. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) represents an important source of natural medicines and herbal products, with huge potential as anti-CRC agents. The potential application of TCM to target gut microbes for the treatment of colorectal cancer represents an exciting area of investigation.

Astragalus mongholicus Bunge and Curcuma aromatica Salisb. modulate gut microbiome and bile acid metabolism to inhibit colon cancer progression

“…In secondary bile acids, DCA and LCA have been shown to have cytotoxic and carcinogenic properties, the increased DCA and LCA in the colon lead to DNA oxidative damage and increased mitotic activity, leading to intestinal cell carcinogenesis, reducing the content of both exerting anti-tumor effects ( Shang et al, 2022 ). The abnormal increase of DCA and LCA also destroyed the intestinal mucosal barrier and induced intestinal inflammatory response to provide a microenvironment for cancer development and promotes the development of intestinal tumors ( Bu et al, 2023 ). Elevated levels of DCA and LCA in the colon activate cellular mechanisms, including the Wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB signaling pathways, leading to DNA oxidative damage and increased mitotic activity ( Jia et al, 2018 ).…”

Exploration of the Molecular Mechanism of Curcuma aromatica Salisb’s Anticolorectal Cancer Activity via the Integrative Approach of Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation

“…Traditional herbal medicine has gained widespread acceptance as an essential alternative and supplementary medicine that benefits cancer patients . Many studies have found that traditional medicinal plants, when taken as adjuvant treatment with radiotherapy, immunotherapy or chemotherapy, can increase quality of life, lengthen survival time, lessen side effects, and boost therapeutic effects. − Owing to its efficiency and lack of negative side effects, the vital medicinal plant Curcuma aromatica Salisb (Cur) has been extensively utilized in traditional medicine. − Several studies have showed the beneficial anticancer benefits of Cur. According to studies, Cur significantly reduces the risk of developing esophageal cancer via halting the reduction of manganese superoxide dismutase in the esophageal epithelium .…”

“… 11 Many studies have found that traditional medicinal plants, when taken as adjuvant treatment with radiotherapy, immunotherapy or chemotherapy, can increase quality of life, lengthen survival time, lessen side effects, and boost therapeutic effects. 12 − 14 Owing to its efficiency and lack of negative side effects, the vital medicinal plant Curcuma aromatica Salisb (Cur) has been extensively utilized in traditional medicine. 15 − 17 Several studies have showed the beneficial anticancer benefits of Cur.…”

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“…In secondary bile acids, DCA and LCA have been shown to have cytotoxic and carcinogenic properties, the increased DCA and LCA in the colon lead to DNA oxidative damage and increased mitotic activity, leading to intestinal cell carcinogenesis, reducing the content of both exerting anti-tumor effects (Shang et al, 2022). The abnormal increase of DCA and LCA also destroyed the intestinal mucosal barrier and induced intestinal inflammatory response to provide a microenvironment for cancer development and promotes the development of intestinal tumors (Bu et al, 2023). Elevated levels of DCA and LCA in the colon activate cellular mechanisms, including the Wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB signaling pathways, leading to DNA oxidative damage and increased mitotic activity (Jia et al, 2018).…”