OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of Xiaochaihu decoction and different herbal formulation of componenton on inhibiting H22 mouse solid liver cancer and on the immune function, for approaching the dose-effect relationship and compatibility mechanism.

METHODTransplanted H22 liver the cancer to mice, filling on high, moderate, low dose of mice in the xiaochaihu decoction drug (27, 13.5, 6.75 g x kg(-1)), 5-FU intraperitoneal injection (20 mg x kg(-1)) as positive control. After being administered for 10 days, we determined the cancer weight, body weight, spleen index and thymus gland index for studying the dose-effect relationship. And we studied compatibility rule of Xiaochaihu decoction and the different herbal formulations of its components by using the same method. Mice in the Xiaochaihu decoction group (13.5 g x kg(-1)) and Ginseng-Chinese Date-Licorice Root apozem group (5 g x kg(-1)) were given the medicines for 10 days to observe the weight of tumor, body weight, spleen index, the NK cell activity, proliferation of the T lymphocytes and IL-2 level.

RESULTGrowth of H22 mouse liver cancer was markedly inhibited in high, moderate, low dose group; the inhibiting rates were 49.66%, 48.52%, 36.91%, respectively; the optimal administration dose was moderate. In the study of compatibility rule, only inhibiting rates of Ginseng-Chinese Date-Licorice Root apozem group and Xiaochaihu decoction group exceed 30%; the inhibiting rates were 41.55% and 43.65%. As compared with normal group, spleen index of three dose groups and the different herbal formulation groups was evidently increased (P < 0.01); thymus gland index of the different herbal formulation groups was significant decreased (P < 0.05); thymus gland index and body weight of 5-FU group were evidently decreased (P < 0.001). As compared the model group, the NK cell activity, proliferation of the T lymphocytes and IL-2 level of Xiaochaihu decoction were remarkably increased (P < 0.001); the NK cell activity and IL-2 level of Ginseng-Chinese Date-Licorice Root group were remarkably increased (P < 0.05); the NK cell activity and proliferation of the T lymphocytes and IL-2 level of 5-FU group were remarkable decreased (P < 0.01). As comparing with the normal control group ,body weight of 5-FU group was evidently decreased (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONXiaochaihu decoction and Ginseng-Chinese Date-Licorice Root group can markedly inhibit the growth of H22 mouse solid liver cancer and improve the immune function of tumor-bearing mice. The inhibiting effect probably closely related with improving the tumor-bearing host immune function. There is a hint that compatibility Ginseng-Chinese Date-Licorice Root of strengthening body resistance is the core of inhibiting effect.