doi:10.4103/2311-8571.369650 https://phaidra.vetmeduni.ac.at/o:2683 World Journal of Traditional Chineses Medicine 9(3), 348-354 (2023) eng 2023 article application/pdf Colorectal-Cancer; Medicine CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 International http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/ Chinese herb formulae inhibit the proliferation of human colon cancer SW480 cells by inducing cell apoptosis Objective: This study aimed to reveal the antitumor effects of Chinese herbal formulae and the underlying mechanisms in treating colorectal cancer, with a focus on developing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a supplement and alternative therapeutic method for cancers. Materials and Methods: Human colon cancer SW480 cells were treated with three Chinese herbal formulae, Bu Zhong Yi Qi Decoction, Fuzi Lizhong Decoction, and Pulsatilla Decoction at different concentrations (50-600 mu g/mL) for 24, 36, and 48 h, respectively. Cell viability was determined using the resazurin reduction assay, and cell survival rate was evaluated using a colony formation assay. After treatment with different concentrations (50-600 mu g/mL) of these three formulae for 48 h, the effects of the Chinese herbal formulae on cell apoptosis were investigated using Hoechst/propidium iodide (PI) staining. The positive PI-stained cells were investigated using an EnSpire multilabel plate reader and the positive Hoechst-stained cells were observed under a fluorescence microscope for morphological changes. Results: Bu Zhong Yi Qi Decoction, Fuzi Lizhong Decoction, and Pulsatilla Decoction inhibited SW480 cell proliferation in a dose-and time-dependent manner and induced cell apoptosis. Conclusion: Chinese herbal formulae with a special prescription form of TCM with antitumor effects bring a new perspective in line with the principles of TCM in cancer treatment. Rausch, Wolf-Dieter (University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna) Fu, Su (China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences) Qin, Shao-Lin (China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences)