Chinese Herbal Medicines Facilitate the Control of Chemotherapy-Induced Side Effects in Colorectal Cancer: Progress and Perspective

Abstract

Side effects, including nausea, vomiting, mucositis, peripheral neuropathy, and diarrhea, have been frequently reported in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients undergoing chemotherapy. Chinese Herbal Medicines (CHMs) display distinct clinical outcomes, as a result, they have been increasingly used as an adjuvant therapy to manage chemotherapy-induced side effects. In this review, we aim to intensively explore the molecular mechanisms of CHMs, underline the significance of CHMs in mitigating the side effects induced by chemotherapy, and examine the necessary studies required to understand the role of CHMs in alleviating chemotherapy-induced side effects. Specifically, ginger, Astragali Radix, and Liujunzi Decoction have been verified to ameliorate nausea and vomiting. Banxia Xiexin Decoction and Huangqin Decoction have been confirmed to be beneficial to mucositis and delayed-onset of diarrhea. Moreover, Niuche Shenqi Wan, Guilong Tongluo Decoction, Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction, and tumeric have been found to display potential therapeutic effects for preventing the genesis and development of peripheral neurotoxicity. These findings have further emphasized the pivotal role of CHMs in improving the outcomes of chemotherapy-induced side effects in CRC. Nonetheless, more molecular evidence is required to comprehensively understand and more appropriately apply CHMs in routine clinical practice for CRC.

Comparison of the pharmacokinetic profiles of 13 phenolic acids and 6 triterpenes in normal and leukopenia rats after oral administration of Sanguisorba officinalis L. extract by LC‐MS/MS

“…QC samples were prepared at 11.4, 91.1, and 1166.4 ng/mL for I; 4.9, 39.2, and 501.4 ng/mL for II; 3.9, 31.0, and 397.0 ng/mL for III; 12.4, 98.9, and 1265.6 ng/mL for IV; 9.0, 72.2, and 924.5 ng/mL for V; 5.9, 47.3, and 606.0 ng/mL for VI; 4.7, 37.2, and 476. 4…”

“…Cancer is the leading cause of death that seriously threatening the lives of people worldwide [1], and chemotherapy is considered a mainstream treatment for cancer patients. However, chemotherapeutic drugs present several harmful side effects such as cytotoxic effects and host immunosuppression, regardless of treatment efficacy [2–4]. Leucopenia is one of the most common side effects, resulting in reduced resistance and repeated infection, influencing the effects of tumor radiation and chemotherapy [5].…”

Suppression of PKCδ/NF-κB Signaling and Apoptosis Induction through Extrinsic/Intrinsic Pathways Are Associated with Magnolol-Inhibited Tumor Progression in Colorectal Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo

“…Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs), including natural compounds and composite formulae derived from a single herb or combination of herbs, have been recognized as complementary adjuvant therapy to diminish chemotherapy-induced side effects and significantly increase overall survival in patients with CRC in China [6,7]. A high intake of natural compounds such as flavonoids, lignans, and isoflavones was correlated with the reduction of CRC risk [8,9].…”

The Method of Activating Blood and Dredging Collaterals for Reducing Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Numerous prior works have focused on verifying it. Chen D et al's review [42] reported that Niuche Shenqi Wan were found to display potential therapeutic effects for preventing the genesis and development of CIPN via restoring the slowed blood flow, inhibiting oxidative stress and activating the C fiber. Liu et al's RCT [43] indicated that Guilong Tongluo decoction could delay the onset time of grades 1–4 neurotoxicity (9.4 vs. 6.5 weeks, P < 0.05).…”