Research Progress on the Treatment of Liver Cancer with Mechanistic Insights into Herbal Medicine for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Focus on the NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks among malignancies with high global incidence and mortality rates, presenting significant therapeutic challenges. The NF-κB signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in HCC pathogenesis, progression, and treatment resistance, where its aberrant activation critically correlates with tumor cell proliferation and apoptotic dysregulation. Recent studies have demonstrated promising therapeutic outcomes through NF-κB pathway inhibition in HCC. Meanwhile, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), leveraging its multi-component nature and multi-target effects, exhibits unique advantages in HCC management. This review synthesizes the mechanistic roles of the NF-κB pathway in HCC and current advances in TCM-mediated HCC treatment via NF-κB modulation. Evidence confirms that TCM agents exert antitumor effects by suppressing NF-κB activation and inducing HCC cell apoptosis, while further enhancing efficacy through crosstalk with complementary signaling pathways. This work aims to provide theoretical foundations and novel perspectives for developing TCM-derived active monomers and compound prescriptions against HCC, thereby advancing the modernization and global integration of TCM therapeutics.