To investigate the sensitization effect of traditional Chinese medicine compound Huangjing (Polygonati Rhizoma) and Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) on the anti-tumor effect of cisplatin (DDP), and further investigate its potential mechanism.

A subcutaneous tumor model of lung cancer in mice was constructed, and Huangjing (Polygonati Rhizoma) -Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) (HH), DDP and HH combined DDP (HH+DDP) were administered to observe the changes in tumor volume in mice. Lewis cell lines were cultured in vitro, and the corresponding interventions were applied to detect the cell proliferation activity, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, as well as the changes in mitochondrial membrane potential.

In vitro and in vivo results showed that the HH+DDP group significantly inhibited the growth and proliferation of LLC cell lines compared to the DDP group and HH group. After the intervention in the HH+DDP group, the ratio of apoptotic protein related proteins Bax and Bcl-2 increased, and the expression of Caspase-3 was up-regulated, promoting the apoptosis and inhibiting the tumor cell proliferation. At the same time, it was also found that the HH+DDP group had a significant inhibitory effect on nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) /inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB-α). Flow cytometry revealed higher levels of apoptosis and ROS production in the HH+DDP group. In addition, the HH+DDP group also reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and promoted the apoptosis.

HH combined DDP can significantly enhance its anti-tumor sensitivity and induce apoptosis through mitochondrial related apoptosis pathways, inhibiting tumor cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo.