Evaluation of Bai-Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala)-based herbal formulae in breast cancer: Implications for metastasis via Zeb1 and Slug modulation.

BACKGROUND

Bai-Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. [Asteraceae]) is classified in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as an herb that targets the gastric and pancreatic meridians to support normal nutrient uptake. As such, Bai-Zhu is commonly included in herbal formulations for treating gastrointestinal dysfunction and alleviating pain and swelling. Formulae containing Bai-Zhu are also frequently used as complementary or alternative therapies to mitigate the side effects of tumor treatments. However, their direct effects on cancer cells remain inadequately understood in modern biomedical science. This study aims to characterize the impact of Bai-Zhu-containing formulae on breast cancer cells using contemporary molecular and cellular biology approaches.

METHODS

A tetrazolium-based semiautomated colorimetric (MTT) assay was used to assess cell viability. Western blotting was performed to evaluate protein expression. Quantitative RT-PCR was employed to measure the relative expression levels of selected genes. A Matrigel invasion assay was used to assess the invasive capacity of cancer cells.

RESULTS

Water extracts of Bai-Zhu or formulae containing Bai-Zhu increased the expression of metastasis-related proteins Zeb1 and Slug in breast cancer cells. Moreover, these formulae further enhanced Zeb1 and Slug expression when combined with the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin. Matrigel invasion assays confirmed that these treatments promoted the invasive activity of breast cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of Bai-Zhu-containing formulae should be carefully evaluated, particularly in cancer patients who use them as complementary or alternative treatments, due to their potential to promote tumor metastasis.