Traditional Chinese medicine and formulations for the treatment of colorectal cancer: Preclinical studies based on the concept of strengthening the body and eliminating pathogens.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly prevalent malignancy that poses significant therapeutic challenges. In recent years, increasing attention has been given to the potential of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat CRC. TCM theory attributes CRC pathogenesis to a deficiency of vital energy (Zheng Qi) and the invasion of pathogenic factors (Xie Qi), highlighting the principle of Strengthening the Body and Eliminating Pathogens (Fuzheng Quxie) to restore yin-yang balance. This review summarizes the application and progress of this principle in CRC treatment, explores the characteristics and corresponding treatment strategies for four TCM syndromes of CRC, namely, spleen deficiency with dampness obstruction, damp-heat accumulation, blood stasis and toxin obstruction, and Qi and blood deficiency; introduces commonly used Chinese herbs such as Atractylodes macrocephala, Poria cocos, Pulsatilla chinensis, and Hedyotis diffusa, as well as formulations such as Si Jun Zi Tang and Bai Tou Weng Tang; and discusses their therapeutic mechanisms. This study provides the latest information on TCM treatment for CRC and guidance for future preventive strategies and clinical practice.