Anti-tumor Effects of <i>Hedyotis diffusa</i> Willd on Cervical Cancer: Inhibition of Proliferation, Migration, and Induction of Apoptosis

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is among the most prevalent malignancies affecting women globally. This study examines the anti-tumor effects and mechanisms of Hedyotis diffusa Willd (HDW), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, on cervical cancer. Methods: The effects of HDW on the proliferation and migration of SiHa and CaSki cells were evaluated through in vitro assays. Additionally, the anti-tumor activity of HDW was assessed in vivo using a xenograft mouse model. To further explore its potential mechanisms, the effects of HDW on apoptosis, the cell cycle, and the IL-17/NF-κB signaling pathway were analyzed. Results: In vitro, HDW dose-dependently reduced the proliferation, colony formation, and migration of SiHa and CaSki cervical cancer cells (P < 0.01). It induced apoptosis by modulating the expression of BCL2, BAX, caspase 3, and cleaved-caspase 3, and caused S-phase cell cycle arrest through suppression of CDK2 and cyclin A (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Hedyotis diffusa Willd also inhibited the IL-17/NF-κB signaling pathway by reducing IL-17A and phosphorylated NF-κB p65 expression (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). In vivo, HDW significantly inhibited tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model (n = 5), with no signs of systemic toxicity, as demonstrated by stable body weight. Conclusions: These findings suggest that HDW exerts its anti-tumor effects by inducing apoptosis, causing cell cycle arrest, and inhibiting the IL-17/NF-κB signaling pathway, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic candidate for cervical cancer.