Xiao-Liu Tang (XLT), a traditional Chinese medicine formula that suppresses the progression of cervical cancer by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell migration

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Xiao-Liu Tang (XLT), a formulation grounded in the Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory of Qi-Blood, has shown promise in alleviating endometriosis-related symptoms through clinical observations, with emerging evidence supporting its anti-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic properties. Endometriosis shares oncogenic pathological hallmarks with gynecological malignancies-including evasion of apoptosis, and invasive potential. Building on TCM's multi-target therapeutic paradigm and the mechanistic parallels between these conditions, we hypothesize that XLT may exert broad anti-neoplastic effects. This study investigates its efficacy and molecular mechanisms in cervical cancer model. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study examined the anti-tumor effects and underlying mechanisms of XLT against cervical cancer. METHODS: The in vivo anti-tumor efficacy of XLT was assessed using a TC-1 cervical cancer allograft mouse model. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms, we performed in vitro investigations using transcriptomic analysis, transwell in vitro cell migration assays, wound healing assays, and CCK-8 proliferation assays. RESULTS: XLT demonstrated a 64.93 % inhibition of tumor growth (P < 0.05), without significant changes in body weight or general behavior in treated mice. Cell-based experiments showed significant suppression of tumor cell proliferation and migration. Molecular analysis showed XLT upregulated Caspase-3 and Caspase-8 expression while modulating the JAK/STAT and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Transcriptomic profiling identified regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cytoskeletal organization, apoptosis and verified JAK/STAT and PI3K/AKT signaling. CONCLUSION: XLT has anti-tumor effects by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting migration of tumor cells. The formula showed notable efficacy, comparable to conventional treatments (chemotherapy) but with greater safety, suggesting that it may be suitable for clinical translation in the treatment of cervical cancer.