“Bai Jiang Cao” for treatment of colon cancer – comparison between Patrinia scabiosaefolia Link and the misused species Thlaspi arvense L.

Abstract

<h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><p>“Bai Jiang Cao” comprise of various <em>Patrina</em> species, such as <em>Patrinia scabiosaefolia</em> Link and <em>Patrina villosa</em> (Thunb.) Dufr., which are traditionally used for treating intestinal disorders. They are also commonly prescribed by Chinese medicine practitioners to colon cancer patients in recent decades. However, the herb <em>Thlaspi arvense</em> L., which has higher commercial availability than <em>Patrinia</em> species in herbal markets in Hong Kong SAR, is regarded as a misused species of “Bai Jiang Cao” without anti-tumor efficacy verification.</p><h3>Aim of the study</h3><p>This study aimed to compare the phytochemistry and anti-tumor effects of the water extracts of <em>Patrinia scabiosaefolia</em> (PSW) and <em>Thlaspi arvense</em> L. L. (TAW) on colon cancer using cell-based studies and tumor-bearing mouse models.</p><h3>Materials and methods</h3><p>The chemical profiles of PSW and TAW were analyzed using UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS. Cell-based assays including MTT, scratch wound, colony formation and apoptosis analysis were performed in human and murine colon cancer cells to evaluate the effects of PSW and TAW. While the <em>in vivo</em> anti-tumor activities of these extracts were determined in Colon 26 tumor-bearing mice.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>In PSW and TAW, 16 and 17 known compounds could be identified, respectively. <em>In vitro</em> results showed that PSW exhibited significant inhibition on cell migration and colony formation, as well as promotion of cell apoptosis in both types of colon cancer cells, whereas TAW did not show obvious inhibitory effects. Furthermore, oral administration of PSW or TAW (1.6 g/kg) in colon tumor-bearing mice suppressed the tumor growth with reduced expressions of Ki67 and CD31 in tumor tissues, with PSW being more potent. Both PSW and TAW treatment modulated the population of intra-tumoral T cells and the expressions of NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins in tumors. In addition, both treatment could reduce lung metastasis and modulate the cytokines (IL-2, IL-10, and TNF-α) production of spleen lymphocytes in tumor-bearing mice.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>This study demonstrated for the first time that <em>Thlaspi arvense</em> L., which commonly regarded as a misused species of “Bai Jiang Cao”, also exhibited anti-tumor effect in colon cancer, though not as potent as <em>Patrinia scabiosaefolia</em>. Our preclinical findings certainly provide important information for Chinese medicine practitioners and colon cancer patients, which may affect clinical practice.</p>