Phytochemical Analysis and Anticancer Activity of Salvia chinensis Benth in Colorectal Cancer: An Integrated...

Background/Objectives: Salvia chinensis Benth (SJC), as a traditional medicinal plant, has garnered significant attention for its extensive pharmacological activities. However, a systematic investigation of its comprehensive chemical profile and the underlying mechanisms in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains to be elucidated. This study aims to elucidate the active compounds and targets responsible for the anti-colorectal cancer effects of the aqueous extract of SJC. Methods: An integrated strategy was employed. The chemical profile of the SJC aqueous extract was analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS. Its anticancer activities, including effects on cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis, were evaluated using the HCT-116 CRC cell line. An integrated transcriptomic and bioinformatic approach, followed by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, was used to identify key molecular pathways and targets. Finally, molecular docking and cellular assays were performed to screen for potential bioactive compounds. Results: A total of 60 natural compounds were tentatively identified in SJC. SJC inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells. Through combined transcriptomic and bioinformatic analysis, four candidate key genes were initially identified. Further PPI network analysis prioritized CXCL8 as a key candidate among the four candidate targets. Molecular docking against CXCL8, together with subsequent cellular experiments, validated naringenin as a potential bioactive constituent contributing to the anti-CRC activity of SJC. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive chemical profile of SJC and offers significant insights into its potential anticancer mechanisms in CRC by identifying candidate targets and a potential bioactive constituent. While these findings are preliminary and require further experimental validation through additional CRC cell lines and in vivo models, they establish a solid foundation for future research into the therapeutic applications of SJC for colorectal cancer. These planned studies will help to further elucidate the underlying mechanisms and assess the translational potential of SJC.