OBJECTIVETo observe the proliferation changes of the side population of gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901 cells (SP), the non-side population (NSP) cells, and unsorted cells (Total) after intervened by Sijunzi Decoction (SD) containing serum.

METHODSSixteen pure bred New Zealand rabbits were equally divided into the normal control group, the low dose SD group (at the daily dose of 7 mL/kg), the middle dose SD group (at the daily dose of 14 mL/kg), and the high dose SD group (at the daily dose of 28 mL/kg) according to the random digit table. Rabbits' serum was extracted after equal volume of corresponding medication was given by gastrogavage twice daily for 2 consecutive weeks. The drug serum was identified using high performance liquid chromatography. SP cells of SGC-7901 were detected using flow cytometry, SP and NSP cells were screened. The proliferation curve of SP, NSP, and Total cells were detected with CCK-8 assay. Changes of their proliferation were also observed.

RESULTSGinsenoside Rg1, an effective ingredient in SD was detected in prepared drug serum. The proliferation of SGC-7901 SP cells was significantly higher than that of NSP cells and Total cells (P < 0.05). Drug serum on gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901 SP, NSP, and Total cells could inhibit their proliferation, but its inhibition on SP cells' proliferation was significantly lower than on NSP and Total cells (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSSD could significantly inhibit the proliferation of gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901 SP, NSP, and Total cells. But there exist obvious difference in the inhibition among the three groups.