Chinese herb formulae inhibit the proliferation of human colon cancer SW480 cells by inducing cell apoptosis

Objective: This study aimed to reveal the antitumor effects of Chinese herbal formulae and the underlying mechanisms in treating colorectal cancer, with a focus on developing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a supplement and alternative therapeutic method for cancers. Materials and Methods: Human colon cancer SW480 cells were treated with three Chinese herbal formulae, Bu Zhong Yi Qi Decoction, Fuzi Lizhong Decoction, and Pulsatilla Decoction at different concentrations (50–600 μg/mL) for 24, 36, and 48 h, respectively. Cell viability was determined using the resazurin reduction assay, and cell survival rate was evaluated using a colony formation assay. After treatment with different concentrations (50–600 μg/mL) of these three formulae for 48 h, the effects of the Chinese herbal formulae on cell apoptosis were investigated using Hoechst/propidium iodide (PI) staining. The positive PI-stained cells were investigated using an EnSpire multilabel plate reader and the positive Hoechst-stained cells were observed under a fluorescence microscope for morphological changes. Results: Bu Zhong Yi Qi Decoction, Fuzi Lizhong Decoction, and Pulsatilla Decoction inhibited SW480 cell proliferation in a dose-and time-dependent manner and induced cell apoptosis. Conclusion: Chinese herbal formulae with a special prescription form of TCM with antitumor effects bring a new perspective in line with the principles of TCM in cancer treatment.