New Hope for Colorectal Cancer Treatment - Traditional Chinese Medicine Takes the Spotlight
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 09, 2024 6 months, 1 week, 5 days, 23 hours, 29 minutes ago
TCM News: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant global health issue, ranking high in both incidence and mortality rates. Predictions suggest over 2.2 million new cases and more than 1.1 million deaths by 2030. Traditional treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery often come with severe side effects and limited effectiveness. However, a recent study by researchers from Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine-China and Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University-China that is covered in this
TCM News report, sheds light on a promising alternative: natural products from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
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New Hope for Colorectal Cancer Treatment - Traditional Chinese Medicine Takes the Spotlight
Understanding CRC and the TLR4 Pathway
CRC primarily affects the intestines, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, frequent bowel movements, and rectal bleeding. It often progresses unnoticed due to its subtle early symptoms. One of the key players in CRC progression is the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway. This pathway is crucial for immune responses but can also promote cancer when overactivated.
TLR4 is a transmembrane protein that detects bacterial infections and triggers immune responses. However, in CRC patients, TLR4 expression is typically low. Interestingly, studies have shown that patients with lower TLR4 levels tend to live longer. This makes TLR4 a significant target for CRC treatment.
The Role of TCM in CRC Treatment
TCM has been used for thousands of years to treat various ailments, including cancer. Recent research highlights the potential of TCM products in targeting the TLR4 pathway to combat CRC. These natural compounds can modulate immune responses, reduce inflammation, and inhibit cancer cell proliferation and metastasis.
Key Natural Products from TCM
-Andrographolide: Found in the plant Andrographis paniculata, this compound has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. It inhibits CRC cell proliferation and induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) by targeting the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB/MMP9 pathway.
-Resveratrol: Commonly found in grapes and red wine, resveratrol has anti-inflammatory effects. It reduces inflammation in CRC cells by inhibiting the TLR4 pathway and shows potential in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
-Baicalein and Baicalin: Extracted from Scutellaria baicalensis, these compounds exhibit strong anti-cancer properties. Baicalein inhibits CRC growth by targeting the TLR4/HIF-1α/VEGF pathway, while baicalin induces apoptosis and modulates immune responses.
-Berberine: Derived from plants like Coptis chinensis, berberine is known for its safety and effectiveness in reducing CRC recurrence. It modulates gut microbiota and inhibits the TLR4/NF-κB/IL-6/STA
T3 pathway.
-Ganoderic Acid: Found in Ganoderma lucidum, this compound alleviates chemotherapy-induced fatigue and reduces inflammation through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway.
-Glycyrrhizin: From licorice root, glycyrrhizin targets the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway, showing potential as a CRC preventive agent by inhibiting inflammation and promoting immune responses.
-Quercetin: A dietary flavonoid abundant in plants, quercetin has significant anti-cancer effects. It inhibits CRC cell growth and enhances the effectiveness of chemotherapy by targeting the TLR4/NLRP3 and ERK/NLRP3 pathways.
-Rosmarinic Acid: Extracted from Perilla frutescens, this compound has strong anti-tumor effects in CRC. It reduces colitis severity and tumor development by inhibiting the TLR4-mediated NF-κB and STAT3 pathways.
Major Herbs Used In TCM Formulas for CRC Treatment
Beyond individual compounds, many Chinese herbs used in TCM formulas offer synergistic effects when combined together. Some notable herbs include:
-Asparagus Polysaccharide (Tianmendong): Induces apoptosis in myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) via the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, enhancing antitumor immune responses.
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TLR4 and biochemical processes in Colorectal Cancer
-Arctium Lappa Root (Niubang): Activates TLR4 signaling, increasing apoptosis and reducing cancer cell attachment, showing potent cytotoxicity against cancer cells.
-Atractylodes Macrocephala Polysaccharides (Baizhu): Boost immunity by promoting lymphocyte proliferation and activating immune cells through the TLR4/MyD88-dependent pathway.
-Curcumae Longae Rhizoma (Jianghuang): Reverses 5-fluorouracil resistance in CRC by targeting the TLR4/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.
-Ganoderma Lucidum Polysaccharide (Lingzhi): Alleviates colitis and tumorigenesis by modulating gut microbiota and inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway.
-Lentinus Edodes Polysaccharides (Xianggu): Inhibits lymphangiogenesis and metastasis through the TLR4/JNK and TLR4/NF-κB pathways.
Future Prospects
The use of TCM products in CRC treatment is a promising area of research. These natural compounds offer multi-targeted approaches, potentially reducing the side effects associated with conventional therapies. Future studies will likely focus on clinical trials to validate the efficacy and safety of these TCM products, paving the way for their integration into mainstream cancer treatment.
Conclusion
Natural products from TCM provide a beacon of hope in the fight against colorectal cancer. By targeting the TLR4 signaling pathway, these compounds offer a novel approach to cancer treatment, potentially improving patient outcomes and quality of life. As research progresses, TCM may become a cornerstone of effective and holistic cancer therapy.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Molecules.
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/29/12/2727
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