Objective: To study the promotion mechanism of Yanghe decoction-containing serum (YHDS) for inhibitory effect of doxorubicin on MCF-7 cell. Method: Yanghe decoction (1.08 g ·mL-1) was administrated orally to 20 mice at a volume of 20 mL ·kg-1 (21.6 g ·kg-1) for 7 days. For the control mouse

water was administered in the same way. Blood samples were collected for all the mice by carotid artery cut at 1 hour after the last administration

and YHDS(1 g ·mL-1) was obtained. Cells proliferation was tested by incorporation of BrdU

cell differentiation was assayed by colonogenic potential in soft agar

the Bax/Bcl-2 expression were assessed by western blotting

Cell apoptosis was examined by TUNEL and the mitochondrial membrane potential was examined by flow cytometry. Result: YHDS could obviously induce promotion for growth inhibition (61.25%±1.66%

P<0.05) and drop the mitochondrial membrane potential induced by doxorubicinin in MCF-7 cells

up-regulate radio of Bax/Bcl-2 expression

and increase cell apoptosis. In addition

YHDS could induce MCF-7 cell differentiation (clones reduced 68.4% compared to normal cell group

P<0.05). Conclusion: YHDS is able to promote inhibitory effect of doxorubicin on MCF-7 cells

its mechanism could be associated with sensitization of apoptosis and differentiation induced by YHDS.