Therapeutic potential and molecular mechanisms of Yi-Yi-Fu-Zi-Bai-Jiang-San in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal tumors with elevated prevalence and high mortality rates, posing a serious threat to human health. As a commonly used classic prescription in the clinical treatment of CRC, Yi-Yi-Fu-Zi-Bai-Jiang-San (YYFZBJS), which is composed of Coix lacryma-jobi L., Aconitum carmichaelii Debeaux, and Patrinia scabiosifolia Fisch. ex Trev., exerts anti-CRC effects by regulating inflammation-cancer transformation, alleviating oxidative stress, restoring gut microbiota balance, inhibiting CRC cell proliferation, promoting apoptosis, regulating autophagy, suppressing tumor angiogenesis. It demonstrates multi-targeted anti-CRC potential and holds promising clinical value as a chemotherapy adjuvant. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its multi-target anti-CRC effects remain incompletely elucidated and require comprehensive synthesis. This review summarizes the research progress of YYFZBJS in recent years in the field of CRC. It will provide theoretical basis and ideas for further investigation of the role of YYFZBJS in anti-CRC, with the ultimate goal of benefiting the clinical practice.