Objective: To explore the potential mechanism of Tianfoshen oral liquid in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Method: Software of Arrowsmith based on the theory of Swan's noninterative literature-bases knowledge discovery was applied. Result: The preliminary investigation results by Arrowsmith software showed that the effective components of Tianfishen oral liquid might havecertain ability to regulate the expressions of toll-like receptors (TLRs)

vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)

cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)

and apoptosis related factors

and the abnormal expressions of the above indicators were also the key genetic factors for colorectal cancer. Conclusion: Tianfishen oral liquid has significant effect on inhibiting colorectal cancer in vitro and in vivo

and the mechanism may be associated with down-regulating the expressions of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and COX-2 in colorectal cancer tissues

reducing abnormally high expression of VEGF in tissues

and promoting expression and vitality of apoptosis genes. This can provide strong reference for the laboratory to conduct further mechanism verification studies.