Targeting colorectal cancer with Herba Patriniae and Coix seed: Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and validation.

Background: Herba Patriniae and Coix seed (HC) constitute a widely utilized drug combination in the clinical management of colorectal cancer (CRC) that is known for its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and swelling-reducing properties. Although its efficacy has been demonstrated in a clinical setting, the active compounds and their mechanisms of action in CRC treatment remain to be fully elucidated.

Aim: To identify the active, CRC-targeting components of HC and to elucidate the mechanisms of action involved.