Antiproliferative, antimigratory, and anticlonogenic effects of Hedyotis diffusa, Panax ginseng, and their combination on colorectal cancer cell lines

ABSTRACT

Combinations of herbs are often used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as the complex constituents of herbs could synergize in producing greater therapeutic efficacy. The combination of Hedyotis diffusa and Panax ginseng is commonly used to treat colorectal cancer in TCM. This study compared the antiproliferative, antimigratory, and anticlonogenic effects of these herbs when used individually and in combination. Results suggested that the efficacy of the combined herbs was not superior to that of the individual herbs in inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and migration. However, the combinations acted synergistically in inhibiting colony formation.

KEYWORDS:

• Cell proliferation
• cell migration
• colony formation
• combination index

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by International Medical University research grant (BP-I-01/13(31)2016).