Evidence and possible mechanism of and its bioactive compounds for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.

Background: Traditional Chinese medicines have been reported to have outstanding effects in the treating of hepatocellular carcinoma. () has demonstrated anti-tumor, anti-angiogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Baicalein, wogonin, and baicalin are the main pharmacologically bioactive compounds of .

Methods: Eight electronic databases were searched to select articles published from their inception to 30 May 2022. For selected articles, clinical and preclinical data was obtained on the use of and its bioactive compounds in hepatocellular carcinoma therapy. Statistical analyses were performed using RevMan version 5.3 and Stata software. Quality assessment of the studies was performed using Cochrane and Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE)'s risk of bias tools.

Results: Seven clinical and 17 preclinical studies along with 31 studies were included in this research. Meta-analysis showed that a Chinese herbal medicine preparation, with as the sovereign herb, combined with Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) or primary treatment, could lead to a significantly improved tumor objective response rate (Risk ratio (RR) = 1.57, 95% confidence interval (CI): [1.30, 1.90],  < 0.00001). -based extracts (standard mean difference (SMD) = -0.86, 95%CI: [-1.20, -0.53],  < 0.00001), baicalein (SMD = -4.80, 95%CI: [-6.66, - 2.95],  < 0.00001), baicalin (SMD = -2.28, 95%CI [-3.26, -1.30],  < 0.00001) and wogonin (SMD = -1.41, 95%CI [-2.26, -0.57],  < 0.00001) slowed tumor growth . These outcomes might be linked to the mechanism by which promotes apoptosis, induces autophagy, and blocks the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor ( < 0.05).

Conclusion: Based on experimental and clinical evidence, we believe that and its bioactive compounds have therapeutic potential and plausible mechanisms of action against hepatocellular carcinoma, in terms of efficacy and safety.