Objective:To investigate the effects of Xiaochaihu decoction (XCHD) containing drug serum on the cell proliferation of hepatocarcinoma HepG-2 cell. Method: XCHD containing drug serum was prepared. The cells were separated into four groups: 10% control serum group

5% XCHD containing drug serum

10% XCHD containing drug serum and 20% XCHD containing drug serum. The HepG-2 cell morphologic changes were observed using the inverted microscope; HepG-2 cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry assay. Mitochondrial membrane potential changes were measured using fluorescent rhodamine123. Result: Compared with the control group

XCHD containing drug serum could significantly inhibit the proliferation of HepG-2 cell and the inhibition effect of 10% XCHD containing drug serum exhibited time-dependent relationship; flow cytometry results showed that after being treated with 10% XCHD containing drug serum

the apoptosis rate of HepG-2 cell elevated from 6.78% to 19.51%; rhodamine123 staining revealed that the mitochondrial membrane potential was reduced. Conclusion: XCHD containing drug serum could inhibit the proliferation of hepatocarcinoma HepG-2 cells and promote the apoptosis rate. The main mechanism of XCHD inhibiting HepG-2 cell is related with mitochondrial function.