Objective: To explore the inhibiting effect and mechanism of Bushen Shugan formula on A549 cells proliferation and metastasis by PTEN-PI3K-AKT pathway. Method: Sixty rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: the normal saline group (2 mL)

the cisplatin group (8 mg · kg-1)

the low-

high-dose Bushen Shugan formula groups(15

30 g · kg-1)

and the low-dose Bushen Shugan formula plus cisplatin group (15 g · kg-1+8 mg · kg-1)

the high-dose Bushen Shugan formula plus cisplatin group (30 g · kg-1+8 mg · kg-1) of 10 rats each. The corresponding medicines were intragastrically administered to rats twice daily for 5 days and the drug serums were prepared. The cell proliferation ability of each group was evaluated by MTT. The capillary structure in each group was observed by three-dimensional cell culture and the number was counted. The mRNA expressions of AKT-1

CyclinD1 and NF-κB were detected by using RT-PCR. The protein expressions of PTEN

p-PI3K and p-AKT were detected by using Western blot. Result: Low-dose drug-contained serum of Bushen Shugan formula could inhibit the proliferation of A549 in a time-dependent manner. The inhibiting rates were lower after 48

72 and 96 h culturing

the numbers of tuber-shaped structure were lower

the protein expression of PTEN was higher

the protein expressions of p-PI3K and p-AKT were lower

and the mRNA expressions of Akt1

CyclinD1

NF-κB were lower in the Bushen Shugan formula plus cisplatin groups than the other group (P<0.05

P<0.01). There were certain synergies between Bushen Shugan formula and cisplatin. Conclusion: Drug-contained serum of Bushen Shugan formula could inhibit the cell proliferation and metastasis of A549 cells by PTEN-PI3K-AKT signaling pathway.