In terms of anti-tumour progression, the active ingredients of XCHT (e.g. Chaihu saponin, baicalein) block HCC cell invasion and metastasis by inhibiting MMP-9 expression and VEGF-mediated angiogenesis, and its combination with sorafenib synergistically reduces tumour cell viability [124, 162]. This evidence concerns the gene MMP9 and hepatocellular carcinoma.