A Comprehensive Review of Hedyotis Diffusa Willd–Scutellaria Barbata D. Don Herb Pair in Anti- Hepatocellular Carcinoma Effects and Their Combinatorial Effects and Mechanisms

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most prevalent malignancies of the digestive system, with a global rising incidence. Hedyotis diffusa Willd and Scutellaria barbata D. Don are classic herb pair in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) of clearing heat and detoxifying, and is widely applied in the treatment of HCC. Although existing research has confirmed their efficacy against HCC through modulation of apoptosis, proliferation, angiogenesis, and immune responses, it is noteworthy that the combined or newly generated components after the compatibility of the two herbs exhibit even more pronounced therapeutic effects. In order to verify the pharmacological activity of the combination of Hedyotis diffusa Willd and Scutellaria barbata D. Don, it is necessary to try more in vitro and in vivo models. This review synthesizes current evidence on their TCM compatibility principles, pharmacological actions, and related signaling pathways of this herb pair, providing a rigorous theoretical foundation to guide rational clinical application and further translational research on the compatibility mechanism of the Hedyotis diffusa Willd– Scutellaria barbata D. Don herb pair in the treatment of HCC. Keywords: Hedyotis diffusa Willd, Scutellaria barbata D. Don, herb pair, hepatocellular carcinoma