[Application progress of germ-free animal models in colorectal cancer and traditional Chinese medicine research].

Colorectal cancer(CRC) is a highly prevalent malignant tumor worldwide, and its occurrence and development are closely related to gut microbiota disturbance. The germ-free(GF) animal model, by providing a unique environment free of indigenous microorganisms, has become a tool for precisely dissecting the causal role and mechanism of the gut microbiota in the occurrence and development of CRC and the therapeutic mechanisms of pharmaceuticals. This review aims to systematically elaborate on the application progress of GF animal models in CRC research, with a focus on the key mechanisms by which specific microorganisms promote the occurrence and development of CRC revealed by this model. Furthermore, this review focuses on the research dynamics of TCM in this field and systematically expounds the application of GF models in the research of TCM against CRC. Through in-depth analysis of the GF animal models of CRC, it is possible to develop precise diagnostic and therapeutic strategies based on TCM and the microbiome in the future, providing new directions and ideas for the prevention and treatment of CRC.