Xiaotansanjiefang inhibits the viability of colorectal cancer cells via Jagged 1/Notch 3/Snail signaling pathway.

The purpose of this study is to explore the anti-colorectal cancer of Xiaotansanjiefang, a famous traditional Chinese medicine, and its potential anti-cancer mechanism. In this study, the HCT116 cell spheres were prepared as in vitro study model. We found the Xiaotansanjiefang medication was able to inhibit the proliferation of HCT116 cell spheres in a dose-dependent manner, especially in 3 and 6 mg/ml Xiaotansanjiefang medication treated groups. We also found the high concentration of Xiaotansanjiefang medication could suppress the migration and promote the apoptosis of HCT116 cell spheres. Moreover, we found the expression of Jagged 1, Notch 3, Snail, and Hes 1 were decreased in HCT116 cell spheres treated with Xiaotansanjiefang medication. Furthermore, the proliferation and apoptosis behaviors of HCT116 cell spheres treated with Xiaotansanjiefang medication were reversed with the addition of Jagged 1 Fc chimera protein. The expression of Jagged 1, Notch 3, Snail, and Hes 1 were also increased again in HCT116 cells treated with Xiaotansanjiefang medication plus with Jagged 1 Fc chimera protein. The presented study may provide a promising strategy to treat and prevent colorectal cancer.