Huang-qin decoction alleviates deoxycholic acid-induced colorectal cancer in mice by regulating gut microbiota

Huangqin Decoction (HQD), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula documented in Shang Han Lun , has demonstrated safety and efficacy in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Recent studies also suggest that HQD exerts therapeutic effects on colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of HQD on CRC and explore its potential mechanisms of action. The active ingredients and potential targets of HQD were identified through network pharmacology-based analyses. The CRC-related targets were compared with those of HQD. Shared targets were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. Additionally, APC min/+ mice were treated with 0.2 % deoxycholic acid (DCA) and gavaged with low or high doses of HQD. Tumor morphology was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to evaluate the expression of Ki-67, Caspase-3, and MUC2 in the intestine. Periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) and PAS-alcian blue (PAS-AB) staining were utilized to detect mucin distribution and the number of goblet cells in the intestines of the mice. The mRNA expression levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), mitogen-activated protein kinase 8 (MAPK8), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), albumin (ALB), and Caspase 3 (CASP3) were quantified using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Immunofluorescence was employed to assess the degree of apoptosis. Additionally, 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing, sequence curation and annotation, and metagenomic sequencing were performed to analyze changes in the composition of the mouse intestinal microbiota and related functions and signaling pathways. The active ingredients of HQD were identified. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses indicated that the shared targets were primarily involved in tumor suppression. HQD effectively treated DCA-induced CRC in mice. Furthermore, positive PAS and PAS-AB staining was significantly increased in the intestines of mice treated with HQD. HQD enhanced the abundance of Lachnospiraceae , Firmicutes , Fusobacteria , and Clostridium , while reducing the abundance of Eggerthellales . Additionally, HQD modulated secondary bile acid metabolism, carbohydrate synthesis, and other energy metabolism pathways, which may underlie its therapeutic effects. HQD effectively treated CRC in mice, and its mechanisms of action may be related to the regulation of the gut microbiota. • Huangqin decoction (HQD) could effectively inhibit the occurrence of colorectal cancer in mice. • Regulation of gut microbiome and metabolism was the main way that HQD inhibits the occurrence of colorectal cancer. • Deoxycholic acid (DCA) could accelerate the occurrence of colorectal cancer, and HQD could play an effective preventive role.