Xianlian Jiedu Decoction alleviates colorectal cancer by regulating metabolic profiles, intestinal microbiota and metabolites

ABSTRACT Background Xianlian Jiedu Decoction (XLJDD) has been used for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) for several decades because of the prominent efficacy of the prescription. Despite the clear clinical efficacy of XLJDD, the anti-CRC mechanism of action is still unclear. Purpose The inhibitory effect and mechanism of XLJDD on CRC were investigated in the azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium (AOM/DSS)-induced mice. Methods The AOM/DSS-induced mice model was adopted to evaluate the efficacy after administering the different doses of XLJDD. The therapeutic effects of XLJDD in treating AOM/DSS-induced CRC were investigated through histopathology, immunofluorescence and ELISA analysis methods. In addition, metabolomics profile and 16S rRNA analysis were used to explore the effective mechanisms of XLJDD on CRC. Results The results stated that the XLJDD reduced the number of tumor growth on the inner wall of the colon and the colorectal weight/length ratio, and suppressed the disease activity index (DAI) score, meanwhile XLJDD also increased body weight, colorectal length, and overall survival rate. The treatment of XLJDD also exhibited the ability to lower the level of inflammatory cytokines in serum and reduce the expression levels of β -catenin, COX-2, and iNOS protein in colorectal tissue. The findings suggested that XLJDD has anti-inflammatory properties and may provide relief for those suffering from inflammation-related conditions. Mechanistically, XLJDD improved gut microbiota dysbiosis and associated metabolic levels of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), sphingolipid, and glycerophospholipid. This was achieved by reducing the abundance of Turicibacter, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 , and the levels of sphinganine, LPCs, and PCs. Additionally, XLJDD increased the abundance of Enterorhabdus and Alistipes probiotics, as well as the content of butyric acid and isovaleric acid. Conclusion The data presented in this article demonstrated that XLJDD can effectively inhibit the occurrence of colon inner wall tumors by reducing the level of inflammation and alleviating intestinal microbial flora imbalance and metabolic disorders. It provides a scientific basis for clinical prevention and treatment of CRC.