Pharmacodynamic Materials and Mechanisms of Compound Scutellariae Radix Granules for Colorectal Cancer: A Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking and Cell Experiments Study

Background: Compound Scutellariae Radix Granules (CSRG) are used to treat gastrointestinal diseases, including colorectal cancer (CRC), which is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Studies have demonstrated that CSRG have anti-CRC effects; however, the exact molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: This study used network pharmacology and molecular docking to identify the active ingredients in CSRG and assess CRC-related genes and pathways. After that, the effect of CSRG on HT29 cells was observed in vitro. Cell Counting Kit-8 detection, Western blot, and flow cytometry with AnnexinV-FITC/PI double staining experiments were used to observe the effects of CSRG on the proliferation, apoptosis and other effects of HT-29 cells. Moreover, the effects of CSRG and IGF-I (PI3K/AKT agonist) on HT-29 cell biological behaviors were gauged. Results: Naringenin, quercetin, licochalcone A, acacetin, wogonin, baicalein, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin were the key active ingredients in CSRG, which affect CRC through five genes: mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 and 1, tumor protein 53, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and RELA proto-oncogene, NF-kB subunit. The molecular docking experiments predicted the activity of the active ingredients in CSRG against their intended target, each of which could stably bind the corresponding CRC target. The enrichment analysis indicate that CSRG played a synergistic effect in regulating the process of apoptosis and cell proliferation, and that multiple pathways were participated in CSRG-related CRC treatment. Cell experiments results demonstrated that the PI3k–Akt pathway may be critical pathways. Besides, Tp53 was found tightly linked to apoptosis. Moreover, the suppressive effect of CSRG on HT29 cell malignant phenotypes was reversed by IGF-I. Conclusion: CSRG are an anti-colon cancer herb containing multiple components, involving multiple target genes and signaling pathways. CSRG inhibited colon cancer cell proliferation and induced apoptosis, which may be related to its inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway and activation of the Tp53 pathway.