1*Department of Pharmacy Practice, AU College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
2Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Bolangir, Odisha, India
3Department of Pharmacology, AU College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
4Department of Health System Management Studies, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related illness and death around the world. This situation calls for new treatment strategies that go beyond traditional chemotherapy and targeted therapies. Research shows that plant-based compounds and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can be effective in managing CRC. Phytochemicals like curcumin, berberine, resveratrol, and fangchinoline have anti-tumor effects through various pathways. They can induce cell death, regulate cell recycling, activate ferroptosis, change metabolism, affect gut bacteria, and suppress epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Additionally, TCM formulas such as Qingjie Fuzheng Decoction, Yiqi Huayu Jiedu Decoction, and Astragalus-Curcuma combinations also show significant promise. They work by targeting immune responses, the interactions between gut bacteria and the immune system, and important signaling pathways like PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Notch to inhibit tumor growth, liver spread, and cancer stemness. Together, these findings highlight the potential of plant-based treatments and TCM as valuable options for preventing and treating CRC. Future clinical trials and deeper understanding will be important for incorporating these natural methods into modern cancer care.
Keywords: Colorectal cancer, Phytochemicals, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Apoptosis, Gut microbiota, Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)
How to cite this article: Manthena SS, Ranajit SK, Kumar KE, Obbalareddy S. Natural Bioactive Compounds and Traditional Chinese Medicine in Colorectal Cancer: A Comprehensive Review. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(10s): 610-624; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.10s.74
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: Nil.