Objective: To investigate the anti-colon cancer effects of total alkaloids from Corptidis Rhizoma. Method: Colon cancer model of Wistar rat was induced by 1-2 dimethylhydrazine(DMH)(40 mg ·g-1 sc)in combination with 1% dextran sodium sulfate solution(DSS)(freely drinking). All rats were randomly divided into 3 groups:control(DMH + DSS + solvent)

total alkaloids from Corptidis Rhizoma(Tal)(DMH + DSS + Tal 120 mg ·g-1 and berberine(Ber)(DMH + DSS + Ber 100 mg ·g-1). The drugs were given orally once a day for 5 day per week.The body weight

the number of colon abrrant crypt foci(ACF)

the incidence and number of colon cancer in rats

as well as the morphological changes in rat colon tissues were evaluated. Result: Tal significantly improved the dyscrasia induced by DMH+DSS

both of the body weight and general condition were better than that in control group. Tal also significantly inhibited ACF and colon cancer incidence in the rats treated by DMH + DSS for 10 weeks or 20 weeks

which was similar to that of Ber. Conclusion: Tal can inhibit ACF and tumor formation induced by DMH + DSS. This may be directly related to berberine existing in Tal.