To explore the effects of three classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulae, Dahuang Huanglian Xiexin Decoction (DHXD), Fuzi Lizhong pills (FLP) and Liushen pills (LSP), in suppressing gastric cancer growth in mice and provide evidence for their clinical applications.

MGC-803 cells (5 × 10⁶ per mouse) were injected into the subcutaneous tissues of the neck and back of nude mice. One week later, the mice were divided into three batches (9 total groups) based on tumor size and a random number table. Within each batch, the mice were subdivided into control, low- and high-dose groups for the three classic formulae. After 21-d treatment, the mice were observed for their general conditions, and then sacrificed. Tumor tissues were harvested and weighed, and the tumor inhibition rate was calculated.

Compared with the control group, body weight in the low- and high-dose DHXD and FLP groups showed no significant change (P > .05), while the high-dose LSP group had significantly lower body weight (P = .049). Compared with the control group, the low- and high-dose DHXD groups showed no significant inhibitory effect on xenograft tumor growth (P > .05); low-dose FLP showed an inhibitory effect on tumor growth (P = .039), while high-dose LSP had a more significant effect (P = .004).

DHXD did not inhibit xenograft tumor growth in mice. In contrast, low-dose FLP had a measurable inhibitory effect, and high-dose LSP more significantly suppressed xenograft tumor growth in mice.