Anti-invasion and anti-metastasis effects of Valjatrate E via reduction of matrix metalloproteinases expression and suppression of MAPK/ERK signaling pathway.

•MMPs and MAPK/ERK pathways were related with the invasion and metastasis of cancer.•Valjatrate E inhibited the heterogeneity adhesion in HepG2 cells.•Valjatrate E reduced the activation rates of ERK1/2 in HepG2 cells.•Valjatrate E down-regulated MMPs secretion and expression in HepG2 cells.•Valjatrate E showed beneficial effects in model of HCC.