Pulsatilla decoction attenuates colorectal cancer progression in association with gut microbiota remodeling, T-cell immune restoration, and NF-κB/JAK2/STAT3 signaling suppression

T-cell responses, improved the splenic Treg/Th17 balance, decreased TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-17A, increased IL-10, and suppressed NF-κB, JAK2, and STAT3 activation in tumor tissues. FMT from high-dose PD-treated donors partially transferred tumor inhibition, increased tumor CD8A and granzyme B, reduced Foxp3, and lowered NF-κB, JAK2, and STAT3 levels in recipient mice not directly treated with PD. These findings suggest that PD inhibits CRC progression by coordinately modulating gut microbiota, T-cell immunity, inflammation, and NF-κB/JAK2/STAT3 signaling, with the gut microbiota partially contributing to its antitumor effects.