2.3.3 Softening Hard Masses and Dispersing Nodules Method

2.3.3 Softening Hard Masses and Dispersing Nodules Method

The Softening and Dispelling Method is a unique therapeutic approach employed by ancient physicians for certain hard masses, whether benign or malignant. The principle stated in the "Plain Questions: On the Great Principles of Supreme Truth" — "Hardness shall be eliminated" — embodies this concept. Research indicates that the anti-tumor effects of softening and dispersing drugs primarily stem from their direct cytotoxic action against cancer cells. Du Zhichun et al.[12] used the Anti-Cancer and Metastasis Prevention Decoction (composed of raw turtle shell, curcuma, notoginseng, astragalus, angelica, raw coix seed, hedyotis diffusa, etc.) to treat liver cancer with lymph node metastasis and found that this decoction could significantly enhance MMP-9 expression levels and CTL cell activity. Additionally, Compound Blister Beetle Capsules (containing blister beetle, ginseng, astragalus, eleutherococcus, sparganium, curcuma, pinellia, cornus, ligustrum, bear bile powder, licorice) exhibit strong anti-tumor activity, possibly due to their ability to boost the body's immune function and further induce apoptosis. The anti-tumor effect of mountain lily bulb mainly lies in its inhibition of angiogenesis, which is dose-dependent[13].