Pharmacological role of Herba Patriniae and Coix seed in colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most prevalent cancer globally, and its traditional treatment modalities commonly encompass radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery and the administration of cytotoxic drugs. Currently, novel chemotherapy drugs that combine traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with herbal extracts exhibit superior comprehensive benefits. Herein, we delved into an article authored by Wang et al, focusing specifically on the pharmacological effects of "Herba Patriniae and Coix seed (HC)" and their targeted mechanisms in combating CRC. From the perspective of TCM philosophy, damp-heat stagnation and toxicity are the cardinal pathogenic factors underlying CRC. HC, renowned for their abilities to antipyretic and enhance diuresis, have demonstrated promising efficacy in preliminary studies for the treatment of CRC. These findings offer potential insights in favor of fostering anti-cancer medications.