The potential therapeutic benefits of Huaier in digestive system cancer: Its chemical components, pharmacological applications and future direction

Abstract

Huaier, derived from the fungus on Sophora japonica trees, is a fruiting body belonging to Polyporaceae family. Traditionally, it has been utilized for treating hemorrhoids and rectal bleeding. As a medicine food homology herb, its remarkable immune-regulating properties have led to widespread adoption in digestive system tumors in recent years. Currently, over 502 compounds, excluding polysaccharides, have been isolated from Huaier exhibiting diverse biological activities and medicinal value. Clinically, Huaier has demonstrated effectiveness against digestive system tumors. Mechanistic studies suggested that Huaier may exert its antitumor effects by bolstering immunity, inducing tumor cell death, inhibiting tumor proliferation, migration, invasion, metastasis, and dampening inflammatory cancer transformation. The abundance of active ingredients underscores Huaier's potential as an anticancer agent. Both its clinical application and mechanistic investigations highlight its significant promise in addressing digestive system tumors.

Keywords

• Huaier
• Digestive system tumors
• Chemical composition
• Clinical application
• Mechanism research
• Immunity