Yangzheng Xiaoji Research Articles

A systematic review on anticancer potential of traditional Chinese medicine (Yang Zheng XiaoJi)

BackgroundThe term "cancer" refers to illnesses in which cells can proliferate uncontrollably, infiltrate, and spread to various body organs. Since it has been used for thousands of years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is now commonly regarded as an alternative for treating cancer. It has been demonstrated that Yangzheng Xiaoji (YX), a traditional Chinese medicine formulation, has anticancer effects in patients with different tumor types. MethodSearches were conducted in several electronic databases from the year 2003 to 2024, including Pubmed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Science Direct, to find evidence about YX. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of YX's anticancer research findings. ResultA result of the limited understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of action of the herbs, modern medicine frequently conflicts with traditional medicine, such as Chinese herbal medicine. Our research demonstrates the broad spectrum of anticancer potential of the YX formulation. Additionally, the particular YX component was also searched for anticancer potential. DiscussionWe have chosen to emphasize only some aspects of each YX ingredient's function in cancer therapy because it has been suggested that several processes are involved when applying TCM therapies. Furthermore, the effect of YX therapy on various malignancies is also covered. Additionally, we have emphasized YX treatment research that alters the tumor microenvironment and eradicates cancer. ConclusionThe data gathered in this review will act as a strong basis for creating YX for cancer therapy.

The Ciji-Hua'ai-Baosheng II Formula Attenuates Chemotherapy-Induced Anorexia in Mice With H22 Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Background: Ciji-Hua’ai-Baosheng II Formula (CHB-II-F) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula, which specifically targets different aspects of chemotherapy-induced adverse effects in patients with cancer. In our clinical application, CHB-II-F significantly alleviated chemotherapy-induced anorexia (loss of appetite) and improved the quality of life for patients with tumor during and after chemotherapy. However, the mechanism of CHB-II-F in alleviation of chemotherapy-induced anorexia remains to be further investigated.Aim of Study: To explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of CHB-II-F on chemotherapy-induced anorexia in the mice model of H22 hepatoma.Materials and Methods: A total of 72 Kunming mice of SPF grade were inoculated subcutaneously with H22 hepatoma cells into the right anterior armpit of the mice. After 1 week of seeding, mice were injected intraperitoneally with a high dose of 5-fluorouracil (200 mg/kg 5-FU) to establish the model of chemotherapy. The mice were randomly divided into six groups: untreated group, 5-FU group, 5-FU plus Yangzheng Xiaoji capsule (YZXJC) group, and three groups of 5-FU plus different concentrations of CHB-II-F. All the mice in each group were treated for 14 days. The body weight, food intake, tumor volume, and tumor weight of mice were measured, and pathological examinations of tumor tissue, stomach, and duodenum were carried out. Expressions of serum Leptin, Neuropeptide Y (NPY), epidermal cell growth factor (EGF), Motilin (MTL), Orexin A (OXA), Gastrin (GAS), Ghrelin, Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and jejunum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were examined. The protein and mRNA levels of proopiomelanocortin (POMC), Orexin receptor 1 (OX1R), neuropeptide Y (NPY), cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript peptide (CART), Agouti gene-related protein (AgRP), Leptin receptor (Ob-R), and Ghrelin receptor (GHSR) were examined in hypothalamus, and the protein levels of substance P (SP) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in duodenum were measured.Results: The combination of CHB-II-F and 5-FU could enhance the inhibitory effect of 5-FU on tumor. The tumor inhibition rates of 5-FU group, YZXJC group, CHB-II-F(H) group, CHB-II-F(M) group, and CHB-II-F(L) group were 58.88, 28.08, 54.96, 37.69, and 28.61%, respectively. Compared with untreated group and 5-FU group, CHB-II-F significantly increased the body weight and food intake of tumor-bearing mice; increased the content of NPY, Orexin A, Ghrelin, GAS, MTL, EGF, and PGE2 in serum and the activity of SOD in jejunum; and decreased the content of Leptin in serum and the content of MDA in jejunum. Compared with untreated group and 5-FU group, CHB-II-F also enhanced the expression of OX1R, GHSR, NPY, and AgRP protein and gene and decreased the expression of Ob-R, POMC, and CART protein and gene in hypothalamus of mice, and the gene expression was consistent with the protein expression. In addition, CHB-II-F decreased the expression of 5-HT and SP protein in duodenum.Conclusion: In the murine model of H22 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) receiving chemotherapy, CHB-II-F enhances the inhibitory effect of 5-FU on tumor, significantly improves the pathological injury of gastrointestinal tract caused by chemotherapy, and regulates the secretion of gastrointestinal hormones. It may alleviate chemotherapy-induced anorexia by affecting appetite regulatory factors in the feeding area of hypothalamus central nervous system and peripheral appetite regulatory factors.

Efficacy and safety of Yangzheng Xiaoji capsule combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy in the treatment of gastric cancer and its influence on immune function

Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of Yangzheng Xiaoji capsule combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy in the treatment of gastric cancer and its influence on immune function. Methods From October 2016 to October 2018, 80 patients with gastric cancer in the First People's Hospital of Yongkang were divided into two groups according to the random number table, with 40 cases in each group.The control group received conventional radiotherapy plus chemotherapy, namely oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil combined with calcium leucovorin conventional chemotherapy.The observation group received Yangzheng Xiaoji capsule on the basis of the control group.The clinical symptoms, objective tumor efficacy, TCM symptoms and signs score, safety, immune function of the two group were observed. Results The total effective rate of the observation group was 87.5%, which was significantly higher than 72.5% of the control group(χ2=3.52, P 0.05), and there were statistically significant differences in WBC, Hb and PLT of the control group before and after treatment(t=4.85, 3.64, 3.85, all P 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the levels of CD3＋, CD4＋, CD8＋, CD4＋/CD8＋ of the observation group before and after treatment(t=2.14, 2.08, 1.69, 2.47, all P>0.05), and compared with before treatment, the levels of CD3＋, CD4＋, CD4＋/CD8＋ of the control group were significantly decreased(t=5.12, 4.26, 5.38, all P<0.05), while the level of CD8＋ was significantly increased(t=3.86, P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of CD4＋, CD4＋, CD8＋, CD4＋/CD8＋ of the observation group were significantly better than those of the control group (t=4.79, 3.52, 4.28, 3.61, all P<0.05). Conclusion Yangzheng Xiaoji capsule combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy can improve the curative effect of patients with gastric cancer, and it has high safety, less toxic and side effects, and can improve the immune function of patients with gastric cancer.It is worthy of promoting. Key words: Stomach neoplasms; Radiotherapy; Antineoplastic combined chemotherapy protocols; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Signs and symptoms; Safety; Immunity; Comparative effectiveness research

Effect of the Chinese Medicine YangZheng XiaoJi on Reducing Fatigue in Mice with Orthotopic Transplantation of Colon Cancer.

Background Fatigue is a common, distressing, and persistent symptom for patients with malignant tumor including colorectal cancer (CRC). Although studies of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) have sprung out in recent years, the pathophysiological mechanisms that induce CRF remain unclear, and effective therapeutic interventions have yet to be established. Methods To investigate the effect of the traditional Chinese medicine YangZheng XiaoJi (YZXJ) on CRF, we constructed orthotopic colon cancer mice, randomly divided into YZXJ group and control (NS) group. Physical or mental fatigue was respectively assessed by swimming exhaustion time or suspension tail resting time. At the end of the experiment, serum was collected to measure the expression level of inflammatory factors by ELISA and feces to microbiota changes by 16s rDNA, and hepatic glycogen content was detected via the anthrone method. Result The nutritional status of the YZXJ group was better than that of the control group, and there was no statistical difference in tumor weight. The swimming exhaustion times of YZXJ group and control group were (162.80 ± 14.67) s and (117.60 ± 13.42, P < 0.05) s, respectively; the suspension tail resting time of YZXJ group was shorter than that of the control group (49.85 ± 4.56) s and (68.83 ± 7.26) s, P < 0.05)). Serum levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in YZXJ group were significantly lower than the control group (P < 0.05). Liver glycogen in YZXJ group was (5.18 ± 3.11) mg/g liver tissue, which was significantly higher than that in control group (2.95 ± 2.06) mg/g liver tissue (P < 0.05). At phylum level, increased abundance of Bacteroidetes, Verrucomicrobia, Actinobacteria, and Cyanobacteria and decreased Proteobacteria in YZXJ group emerged as the top differences between the two groups, and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was decreased in YZXJ group compared to the control group. At genus level, the abundance of Parabacteroides, unidentified Saprospiraceae, and Elizabethkingia which all belong to phylum Bacteroidetes were increased, while Arcobacter, Marinobacter, Alkanindiges, Sulfuricurvum, Haliangium, and Thiobacillus in phylum Proteobacteria were decreased after YZXJ intervention. YZXJ can also increase Pirellula, Microbacterium, and Alpinimonas and decrease Rubrobacter and Iamia. Conclusion YZXJ may reduce the physical and mental fatigue caused by colorectal cancer by inhibiting inflammatory reaction, promoting hepatic glycogen synthesis, and changing the composition of intestinal microbiota.

The Protective Effects of Ciji-Hua'ai-Baosheng II Formula on Chemotherapy-Treated H22 Hepatocellular Carcinoma Mouse Model by Promoting Tumor Apoptosis.

Ciji-Hua’ai-Baosheng II Formula (CHB-II-F) is a traditional Chinese medical formula that has been shown in clinical practice to relieve side effects of chemotherapy and improve quality of life for cancer patients. In order to understand the mechanism of its protective effects on chemotherapy, mice with transplanted H22 hepatocellular carcinoma were employed in this study. Ninety-two mice were injected subcutaneously with H22 HCC cell suspension into the right anterior armpit. After mice were treated with 5-fluorine pyrimidine (5-FU), they were divided into six groups as untreated group, 5-FU group, 5-FU plus Yangzheng Xiaoji Capsule group and three groups of 5-FU plus different concentrations of CHB-II-F. Twenty mice were euthanized after 7 days of treatment in untreated and medium concentration of CHB-II-F groups and all other mice were euthanized after 14 days of treatment. Herbal components/metabolites were analyzed by UPLC-MS. Tumors were evaluated by weight and volume, morphology of light and electron microscope, and cell cycle. Apoptosis were examined by apoptotic proteins expression by western blot. Four major components/metabolites were identified from serum of mice treated with CHB-II-F and they are β-Sitosterol, Salvianolic acid, isobavachalcone, and bakuchiol. Treatment of CHB-II-F significantly increased body weights of mice and decreased tumor volume compared to untreated group. Moreover, CHB-II-F treatment increased tumor cells in G0-G1 transition instead of in S phase. Furthermore, CHB-II-F treatment increased the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins and decreased the expression anti-apoptotic protein. Therefore, CHB-II-F could improve mice general condition and reduce tumor cell malignancy. Moreover, CHB-II-F regulates apoptosis of tumor cells, which could contribute its protective effect on chemotherapy.

Abstract P3-15-04: Signalling pathways targeted by the YangZheng Xiaoji extract and the therapeutic implications in human breast cancer

Abstract Background. Yangzheng Xiaoji is a formulation of Chinese medicine and has been used in the treatment of solid cancer as an adjuvant to chemotherapy by reducing the side effects to the patient. There has been evidence to show that the medicine has a direct biological role in cancer cells. In the present study, we sought to investigate the potential effects of the medicine on breast cancer cells and in particular aimed to identify the key targets and molecular pathways contributing to the anti-cancer effect of the medicine. Methods. Human breast cancer cell lines (BT549, BT20, MDA MB-231, MCF-7 and ZR 75-1) with varying invasiveness and receptor status were used. The soluble extract of Yangzheng Xiaoji, namely DME25 was used in the study. The effects of DME25 on the growth, toxicity and cellular migration were assessed. Signalling kinase changes were screened using kinase antibody array based array technologies. Kinases were also validated using phosphorylation based protein blotting. Results. Of the five breast cancer cell lines tested, Yangzheng Xiaoji extract DME25 showed little cytotoxicity over a broad range of concentrations. However, DME25 were able to markedly reduce the migration of the panel of breast cancer tested, without being toxic. Triple negative cells responded in a similar fashion with other cells. It was also noted that the adhesion of these cells were also inhibited by DME25. Using a protein kinase array, it was shown that a number of kinase complexes were inhibited by the medicine, notable ones including EGFR family kinases (reduced by 35%), Janus protein kinases (JAK) (by 57%), and Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate (Rac1 or CDC42 GTPase) (by 49%) and Ribosomal protein S6 kinases (RSKs) (by 52%). Given the clinical significance of RSKs in human breast cancer, we further evaluated the role of RSK and RSK inhibitors in DME mediated cell functions and have demonstrated that both in triple negative breast cancer cells and receptor positive breast cancer cell lines, DME25 was able to synergistically enhance the effect of RSK2 inhibitor, SL1010-1, on the both the cellular migration and cell growth. Conclusion. Yangzheng Xiaoji has a broad and direct effect on the migration of breast cancer, an effect unrelated to hormone receptor status and independent of cytotoxicity. The medicine appears to target kinase pathway, particularly for the RSK kinases, suggesting an important clinical implication in the treatment of breast cancer. Citation Format: Jiang WG, Ye L, Owen S, Ruge F, Martin TA, Sanders AJ, Gao G, Wei C, Wu Y, Davies E. Signalling pathways targeted by the YangZheng Xiaoji extract and the therapeutic implications in human breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-15-04.

Heat shock protein 27 is a potential indicator for response to YangZheng XiaoJi and chemotherapy agents in cancer cells

Heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) is a member of the heat shock protein family which has been linked to tumour progression and, most interestingly, to chemotherapy resistance in cancer patients. The present study examined the potential interplay between HSP27 and YangZheng XiaoJi, a traditional Chinese medicine used in cancer treatment. A range of cell lines from different tumour types including pancreatic, lung, gastric, colorectal, breast, prostate and ovarian cancer (both wild-type and resistant) were used. Levels and activation of HSP27 and its potential associated signalling pathways were evaluated by protein array and western blotting. Knockdown of HSP27 in cancer cells was achieved using siRNA. Localisation and co-localisation of HSP27 and other proteins were carried out by immunofluorescence. Cell growth and migration were evaluated in their response to a range of chemotherapeutic agents. The present study first identified, by way of protein array, that YangZheng XiaoJi was able to inhibit the phosphorylation of HSP27 protein in cancer cells. We further demonstrated that HSP27, which is co-localised with caspase-9, can be blocked from localising in focal adhesions and co-localising with caspase-9 by YangZheng XiaoJi. The study also demonstrated that YangZheng XiaoJi was able to sensitise cancer cells including those cells that were resistant to chemotherapy, to chemotherapeutic agents. Finally, knocking down HSP27 markedly reduced the migration of cancer cells and increased the sensitivity of cancer cells to the inhibitory effect on cellular migration by YangZheng XiaoJi. YangZheng XiaoJi can act as an agent in first sensitising cancer cells to chemotherapy and secondly to overcome, to some degree, chemoresistance when used in an appropriate fashion in patients who have active HSP27.

2377 The biological and in vivo impact of Yangzheng Xiaoji extract on the interaction between tumour and peritoneal mesothelial cells and peritoneal metastases of gastrointestinal tumours

2377 The biological and in vivo impact of Yangzheng Xiaoji extract on the interaction between tumour and peritoneal mesothelial cells and peritoneal metastases of gastrointestinal tumours

3117 Effects of YangZheng XiaoJi on the migration and growth of lung cancer cells, by targeting the Hepatocyte Growth Factor Receptor-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (HGFR-EGFR) transactivation

3117 Effects of YangZheng XiaoJi on the migration and growth of lung cancer cells, by targeting the Hepatocyte Growth Factor Receptor-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (HGFR-EGFR) transactivation

YangZheng XiaoJi exerts anti-tumour growth effects by antagonising the effects of HGF and its receptor, cMET, in human lung cancer cells.

BackgroundHepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a cytokine that has a profound effect on cancer cells by stimulating migration and invasion and acting as an angiogenic factor. In lung cancer, the factor also plays a pivotal role and is linked to a poor outcome in patients. In particular, HGF is known to work in combination with EGF on lung cancer cells. In the present study, we investigated the effect of a traditional Chinese medicine reported in cancer therapies, namely YangZheng XiaoJi (YZXJ) on lung cancer and on HGF mediated migration and invasion of lung cancer cells.MethodsHuman lung cancer cells, SKMES1 and A549 were used in the study. An extract from the medicine was used. Cell migration was investigated using the EVOS and by ECIS. Cell–matrix adhesion and in vitro invasion were assessed. In vivo growth of lung cancer was tested using an in vivo xenograft tumour model and activation of the HGF receptor in lung tumours by an immunofluorescence method.ResultsBoth lung cancer cells increased their migration in response to HGF and responded to YZXJ by reducing their speed of migration. YZXJ markedly reduced the migration and in vitro invasiveness induced by HGF. It worked synergistically with PHA665752 and SU11274, HGF receptor inhibitors on the lung cancer cells both on HGF receptor activation and on cell functions. A combination of HGF and EGF resulted in a greater increase in cell migration, which was similarly inhibited by YZXJ, and in combination with the HGF receptor and EGF receptor inhibitors. In vivo, YZXJ reduced the rate of tumour growth and potentiated the effects of PHA665752 on tumour growth. It was further revealed that YZXJ significantly reduced the degree of phosphorylation of the HGF receptor in lung tumours.ConclusionYZXJ has a significant role in reducing the migration, invasion and in vivo tumour growth of lung cancer and acts to inhibit the migratory and invasive effects induced by HGF and indeed by HGF/EGF. This effect is likely attributed to the inhibition of the HGF receptor activation. These results indicate that YZXJ has a therapeutic role in lung cancer and that combined strategy with methods to block HGF and EGF should be considered.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12967-015-0639-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Traditional Chinese medicine in the prevention and treatment of cancer and cancer metastasis.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been a major part of healthcare in China, and has extensively affected medicine and healthcare in surrounding countries over a long period of time. In the fight against cancer, certain anticancer remedies using herbs or herbal formulas derived from TCM have been developed for the management of malignancies. Furthermore, there are clinical trials registered for the use of herbal remedies in cancer management. Herbal medicine has been used as part of combined therapies to reduce the side-effects of chemotherapy, including bone marrow suppression, nausea and vomiting. Herbal remedies have also been used as chemopreventive therapies to treat precancerous conditions in order to reduce the incidence of cancer in high-risk populations. Emerging evidence has revealed that herbal remedies can regulate the proliferation, apoptosis, adhesion and migration of cancer cells. In addition to this direct effect upon cancer cells, a number of herbal remedies have been identified to suppress angiogenesis and therefore reduce tumour growth. The inhibition of tumour growth may also be due to modifications of the host immune system by the herbal treatment. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of herbal remedies remain poorly understood and are yet to be fully elucidated. The present study aims to summarize the current literature and clinical trial results of herbal remedies for cancer treatment, with a particular focus on the recent findings and development of the Yangzheng Xiaoji capsule.

Abstract 4034: The anti-peritoneal metastasis properties of Yangzheng Xiaoji, the potential role of hyaluronan and CD44

Abstract Introduction. Peritoneal metastasis is a frequently occurring complication patients with gastrointestinal, pancreatic, ovarian cancers and is a condition difficult to manage, clinically, due largely to the lack of effective treatment. In the present study, we report an accidental and novel discovery that the extract of Yangzheng Xiaoji (YZXJ), a traditional medical formula used in cancer treatment had an anti-peritoneal metastasis function. Materials and methods. Human primary cultured peritoneal mesothelial cells were used as an in vitro cellular model. Human gastric, colorectal, pancreatic, ovarian and prostate cancer cells were used in the tests. Tumour-mesothelial interaction, invasion and migration were assessed with YZXJ. Athymic nude mice peritoneal metastasis model was used to evaluate the effects in vivo. Results. Soluble YZXJ was firstly extracted in a highly reproducible manner. YZXJ extract (DME25) had a negletable toxicity to cancer cells and mesothelial cells. However, it profoundly inhibited the tumour-mesothelial adhesions in the type of tumour cells tested with pancreatic and colorectal cancer cells amongst the most sensitive ones to YZXJ (p&amp;lt;0.001), a phenomenon seen with a number of cell based assays. The inhibitory effect was also seen with cellular migration. A similar pattern of inhibition was seen on tumour adhesion to hyaluronan (HA) coated surface. It was further revealed that YZXJ and an hyaluronan inhibitor and anti-CD44 antibodies had additive effects with YZXJ on tumour-mesothelial interactions. YZXJ extract had an inhibitory effect on the phosphorylation of SRC kinase in cancer cells and in mesothelial cells as shown by Western blotting and immunofluorescence microscopy. In the peritoneal metastasis in vivo model, it was demonstrated that intraperitoneal administration of YZXJ significantly reduced the formation of metastatic nodules (p=0.035, control vs YZXJ treatment). This was seen with little side effects. We have also shown that hyaluronan inhibitor strengthened the inhibitory effect exerted by YZXJ. Conclusion. Yangzheng Xiaoji has an potent inhibitory effect on tumour-mesothelial interactions of a variety of tumour types and also markedly reduces the peritoneal metastasis in vivo. This effect is likely to be achieved by its effect on the SRC signalling pathway. Yangzheng Xiaoji presents a new way of treating peritoneal metastasis. Citation Format: Wen G. Jiang, Yongning Jia, Lin Ye, Ke Ji, Yong Gao, Cong Wei, Yiling Wu, Nick Topley, Anna Kift-Morgan, Jiafu Ji. The anti-peritoneal metastasis properties of Yangzheng Xiaoji, the potential role of hyaluronan and CD44. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4034. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4034

Antitumour effects of Yangzheng Xiaoji in human osteosarcoma: The pivotal role of focal adhesion kinase signalling

The present study examined, in vitro and in vivo, the potential antitumour effects of Yangzheng Xiaoji (YZXJ), a traditional Chinese medical formula used in cancer treatment, on osteosarcoma, a tumour type recently found to be sensitive to YZXJ. The human osteosarcoma cell line MG63 was used in cell-matrix adhesion and cell growth assays. The same cell line was used in an in vivo tumour model by establishing subcutaneous osteosarcoma xenografts. Oral and intraperitoneal routes were used to deliver the YZXJ extract. The effect of YZXJ on the activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin was evaluated by immunofluorescence methods. It was found that YZXJ exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on cell-matrix adhesion as demonstrated by a cell-based assay and electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) analysis. The effect was observed together with a reduction in phospho-FAK and phospho-paxillin in the cells when treated with YZXJ. In the in vivo tumour model, YZXJ was found to significantly inhibit the growth of osteosarcoma with a sustained effect observed when YZXJ was delivered intraperitoneally. YZXJ sensitized cells to the effect of FAK inhibitor in vitro and in vivo. It is concluded that Yangzheng Xiaoji plays a significant role in cell-matrix adhesion and tumour growth, likely by inhibiting the activation of the FAK pathway. The therapeutic role of Yangzheng Xiaoji in osteosarcoma warrants further investigation.

Inhibitory effects of Yangzheng Xiaoji on angiogenesis and the role of the focal adhesion kinase pathway

Angiogenesis is an essential event during the excessive growth and metastatic spread of solid tumours. Anti-angiogenic agents have become a new choice of therapy for patients with cancer. In the present study, we investigated the potential effect of Yangzheng Xiaoji, a traditional Chinese medicinal formula presently used in the treatment of several solid tumours including liver cancer and gastric cancer, on angiogenesis, invitro. The human vascular endothelial cell line HECV was used. A Matrigel-based sandwich tubule formation assay was employed to assess invitro angiogenesis, a colorimetric method for assessing invitro cell growth. Electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) was used to evaluate the adhesion and migration of endothelial cells. The effects on activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) were evaluated using western blotting and immunofluorescence methods. YangzhenXiaoji extract DME25 significantly inhibited tube formation (p=0.046 vs control). This was seen together with a concentration-dependent inhibition on cell-matrix adhesion and cellular migration. It was demonstrated that the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibitor PF557328 had a significant synergistic effect on DME25-induced inhibition of cell adhesion, migration and tube formation. The study showed that DME25 inhibited the phosphorylation of FAK in endothelial cells. In conclusion, Yangzhen Xiaoji has a marked effect on angiogenesis, invitro and that this effect is at least partly mediated by the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) pathway.