Traditional Chinese medicine for prevention and treatment of hepatocarcinoma: From bench to bedside

Table 1 Herbal formulas for hepatocarcinoma prevention

Herbal formula	Therapeutic principles	Herbs	Models/patients	Effects	Targets/events	Ref.
Ren-shen-bie-jia-jian	Tonifying Qi and dissolving stasis	Ren-Shen (Panax ginseng), Bie-Jia (Carapax trionycis), Tao-Ren (Peach seed) and other herbs	DMN induced hepatic precancerous lesion in rats	Inhibit hepatocarcinogenesis	Down-regulation of TGF-βIIR	[13]
Xiao-chai-hu-tang	Soothing liver-Qi stagnation	Chai-Hu (Bupleurum chinense), Huang-Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi), Sheng-Jiang (Zingiber officinale), Ban-Xia (Pinellia ternata), Da-Zao (Ziziphus jujuba), Ren-Shen (Panax ginseng), Gan-cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis)	NNM induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats; patients with cirrhosis	Inhibit hepatocarcinogenesis, prevent hepatocarcinogenesis in patients	Increase helper T lymphocytes	[14,49]
Shi-quan-da-bu-tang	Tonifying Qi-Blood	Ren-Shen (Panax ginseng), Bai-Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz.), Fu-Ling (Poria cocos), Gan-cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis), Chuan-Xiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong), Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis), Shu-Di-Huang (Rehmannia glutinosa), Bai-Shao (Paeonia lactiflora), Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceous), Rou-Gui (Cinnamomum cassia Presl)	NNM induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats	Inhibit hepatocarcinogenesis	Increase IL-2 receptor-positive lymphocytes	[15]
Nourishing Yin Decoction	Tonifying liver Yin	Bei-Sha-Shen (Glehnia littoralis), Dang-Gui (Angelica sinensis), Bai-Shao (Paeonia lactiflora), Gou-Qi (Lycium barbarum), etc.	AFB1 induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats	Inhibit hepatocarcinogenesis	Unknown	[16]
Removing Toxic Heat Decoction	Detoxifying and tonifying liver Yin	Ban-Zi-Lian (Sculellaria barbata), Ban-Bian-Lian (Lobelia chinensis Lour.), Mo-Han-Lian (Eclipta prostrata), Gu-Ya (rice sprout), etc.	AFB1 induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats	Inhibit hepatocarcinogenesis	Unknown	[16]
A-L tonic capsule	Tonifying liver-Yin and nourishing Qi	Nü-Zhen-Zi (Ligustrum lucidum Ait.) and Huang-Qi (Astragalus membranaceous)	DEN induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats	Inhibit DNA content and improve DNA distribution	Unknown	[17]
Bu Shen formula	Tonifying kidney	Ba-Ji-Tian (Morinda officinalis), Tu-Si-Zi (Cuscuta chinensis Lam), Qing-Pi (Cuscuta chinensis Lam) and other herbs	DEN induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats	Inhibit hepatocarcinogenesis	Unknown	[18]
Fu-zheng-hua-yu formula	Strengthening body resistance and dissolving stasis	Dong-Chong-Xia-Cao (Cordyceps sinensis), Tao-Ren (Peach seed), Dan-shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) and other herbs	DEN induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats	Inhibit hepatocarcinogenesis	Inhibit cell cycle S phase	[19]
Huqi San	Tonifying kidney, nourishing Qi, and dissolving stasis	Hu-Ji-Sheng (Viscum coloratum), Huang-Qi (Astragalus membranaceus), Yu-Jin (Radix Curcumae), Dan-shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) and other herbs	DEN and 2-acetylaminofluorene induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats	Inhibit hepatocarcinogenesis	Down-regulation of c-jun, c-fos and c-myc, up-regulation of G-6-Pase, SDH and ATPase	[20,21]
Ganfujian	Strengthening spleen	Shan-Yao (Rhizoma Dioscoreae), Shan-Zha (Fructus Crataegi) and Da-Zao (Fructus Ziziphi Jujubae)	DEN induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats	Inhibit hepatocarcinogenesis	Down-regulation of CDK4, cyclin D1 and PCNA	[22]
SRRS recipe	Strengthening spleen, regulating Qi, removing heat, and softening hard lumps and resolving phlegm	Tai-Zi-Shen (Pseeudostellaria heterophylla), Zhu-Zi-Shen (Panax japonicus), Bai-Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz.), Fu-Ling (Poria cocos), Sheng-Mu-Li (raw oyster shell) other herbs	DEN induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats	Inhibit hepatocarcinogenesis	Unknown	[23]
Jianpi Jiedu Recipe	Strengthening spleen and detoxifying	Huang-Qi (Astragalus membranaceous), Bai-Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz.), Zhu-Ling (Polyporus umbrellatus), Ba-Yue-Zha (Akebia trifoliata), Shi-Jian-Chuan (Salvia chinensis), Ye-Pu-Tao-Teng (Wild grape stem), Yi-Yi-Ren (Coix lacryma-jobi L.) other herbs	DEN induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats	Inhibit hepatocarcinogenesis	Down-regulating miR-199a and AKT/PI3K, and up-regulating p70s6k	[24,25]
Gan Zheng oral solution	Detoxifying and dissolving stasis	Ban-Zi-Lian (Sculellaria barbata), Bai-Hua-She-She-Cao (Hedyotis diffusa Willd.), San-Leng (Sparganium stoloniferum), E-Zhu (Curcuma kwangsiensis or Curcuma phaeocaulis or Curcuma wenyujin) and other herbs	DEN induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats	Inhibit hepatocarcinogenesis	Down-regulating ICAM-1	[26]
Zao Lian mixture	Detoxifying, dissolving stasis, strengthening spleen, and soothing liver	Zao-Xiu (Paris Polyphylla), Ban-Zi-Lian (Sculellaria barbata), Hu-Zhang (Polygonum cuspidatum), Jiang-Huang (Carcuma longa), Huang-Qi (Astragalus membranaceous), Bai-Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz.), Fu-Ling (Poria cocos), etc.	DEN induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats	Inhibit hepatocarcinogenesis	Improve liver function	[27]
Sb/Bs Remedy	Clearing heat and discharging fire, eliminating dampness and detoxifying, and soothing liver	Huang-Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi) and Chai-Hu (Bupleurum scorzonerifolfium Willd)	N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in Syrian hamsters	Inhibit hepatocarcinogenesis	Increase TNF-alpha, TGF-beta1, caspase-3 and apoptosis, decrease 8-OHdG expression	[28]
Qing Re Fang	Clearing heat and detoxifying	Ban-Zi-Lian (Sculellaria barbata), Bai-Hua-She-She-Cao (Hedyotis diffusa Willd.) and Pu-Gong-Ying (Taraxacum mongolicum)	DEN induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats	Inhibit hepatocarcinogenesis	Up-regulate GAP, down-regulate Ras and Raf1	[29-31]
Huo Xue Fang	Promoting circulation and removing stasis	Chai-Hu (Bupleurum chinense), Dan-Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), Chi-Shao (Paeonia lactiflora Pall. or P. veitchii Lynch), Ba-Yue-Zha (Caulis Akebiae), Yin-Chen-Hao (Artemisia capillaris Thunb.), Yu-Jin ( Radix Curcumae)	DEN induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats	Inhibit hepatocarcinogenesis	Up-regulate GAP, down-regulate Ras, Grb-2 and Raf 1	[29-31]
Jian Pi Fang	Strengthening spleen	Huang-Qi (Astragalus membranaceus), Bai-Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz.), Bai-Shao (Paeonia lactiflora), Yi-Yi-Ren ( Semen Coicis), Shen-Qu (medicated leaven), Ban-Xia (Pinellia ternata) and Fu-Ling (Poria cocos)	DEN induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats	Inhibit hepatocarcinogenesis	Up-regulate GAP, down-regulate Ras and SOS	[29-31]
Herbal Compound 861	Dissolving stasis and tonifying Qi	Dan-Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), Huang-Qi (Astragalus membranaceus), Ji-Xue-Teng (Spatholobus suberectus) and other herbs	DEN and 2-acetylaminofluorene induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats	Inhibit hepatocarcinogenesis	Unknown	[32]
New Anti-tumor formula	Tonifying qi, soothing liver and dissolving stasis	Huang-Qi (Astragalus membranaceus), Chai-Hu (Bupleurum chinense), E-Zhu (Curcuma kwangsiensis or Curcuma phaeocaulis or Curcuma wenyujin) and other herbs	AFB1 and HBV induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats	Inhibit hepatocarcinogenesis	Activate SOD and GST, decrease MDA	[33]
Jian-Pi-Huo-Xue Formula	Strengthening spleen and dissolving stasis	Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceous), Chi-Shao (Paeonia anomala), Dang-Shen (Codonopsis pilosula), Dang-Gui (Angelica sinensis), E-Zhu (Curcuma kwangsiensis or Curcuma phaeocaulis or Curcuma wenyujin) and other herbs	Patients with hepatitis, hepatic cirrhosis and low level of AFP	Prevent hepatocarcinogenesis in patients	Unknown	[47]

DMN: Dimethylnitrosamine; NNM: N-nitrosomorpholine; AFB1: Aflatoxin B1; DEN: Diethylnitrosamine; HBV: Hepatitis B virus; AFP: Radiofrequency ablation; TGF-βIIR: Alpha fetoprotein; transforming growth factor-β type II receptor; IL-2: Interleukin-2; PCNA: Proliferating cell nuclear antigen; CDK4: Cyclin-dependent kinase 4; PI3K/AKT: Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinaseV-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog; ICAM-1: Intercellular adhesion molecule 1; TNF: Tumor necrosis factor; Grb-2: Growth factor receptor-bound protein 2; GAP: GTPase-activating protein; SOS: Son of sevenless; SOD: Superoxide dismutase; GST: Glutathione S-transferase; MDA: Malondialdehyde.

Table 2 Clinical study of traditional Chinese medicine for hepatocarcinoma treatment

Treatments	TCM therapeutic principles	Herbs/herbl formula	Disease	No. of patients	Effects	Ref.
Surgery, Jiedu Granule and Cinobufacini Injection	Detoxifying and dissipating mass	Jiedu Granule: Shi-Jian-Chuan (Salvia chinensis), Mao-Ren-Shen (Actinidia valvata), Yi-Yi-Ren (Semen Coicis), Shan-Zha (Fructus Crataegi), Shen-Qu (Massa Medicata Fermentata), etc.	Hepatocellular carcinoma after surgical resection	120	Postpone tumor recurrence and metastasis, prolong survival time	[72]
Surgery, Ruanjianhugan Tablets	Detoxifying, dispersing stasis, tonifying Qi and Yin	Ku-Shen (Sophora flavescens Ait.), Xia-Ku-Cao (Prunella), Hu-Zhang (Polygonum cuspidatum), Nü-Zhen-Zi (Ligustrum lucidum Ait), Huang-Qi (Astragalus membranaceus), etc.	Small hepatocellular carcinoma after surgical resection	399	Prolong overall survival time	[73]
Surgery, Jiedu Xiaozheng Yin and Fuzheng Yiliu Recipe	Detoxifying and dissipating mass, tonifying Qi and Yin	Jiedu Xiaozheng Yin: Bai-Hua-She-She-Cao (Hedyotis diffusa Willd), Shan-Ci-Gu (Pseudobulbus Cremastrae), Ku-Shen (Sophora flavescens Ait.), et al. Fuzheng Yiliu Recipe: Huang-Qi (Astragalus membranaceus), Nü-Zhen-Zi (Ligustrum lucidum Ait), Shan-Yao (Dioscorea opposita), etc.	Stage III hepatocarcinoma before and after surgical resection	72	Prolong survival time and prevent recurrence	[74]
JDF Granule and TACE	Detoxifying and dispersing stasis	Mao-Ren-Shen (Actinidia valvata), Shi-Jian-Chuan (Salvia chinensis), Shan-Ci-Gu (Pseudobulbus Cremastrae), Ji-Nei-Jin (gizzard membrane of Gallus gallus domesticus)	Unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma	165	Prolong survival time	[75]
Shentao Ruangan Pill and TACE	Detoxifying, dispersing stasis, tonifying Qi and Yang	Yin-Chen-Hao (Artemisia capillaris Thunb.), Bai-Hua-She-She-Cao (Hedyotis diffusa Willd.), Ban-Zi-Lian (Sculellaria barbata), E-Zhu (Curcuma kwangsiensis or Curcuma phaeocaulis or Curcuma wenyujin), Ren-Shen (Panax ginseng), etc.	Middle-advanced stage large hepatocarcinoma	85	Prolong survival time	[76]
Ganai No. I and No. II and TACE	Tonifying Qi and Yin, detoxifying and dissipating mass	Ganai No.I: Dang-Shen (Codonopsis pilosula), Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceous), Nü-Zhen-Zi (Ligustrum lucidum Ait), E-Zhu (Curcuma kwangsiensis or Curcuma phaeocaulis or Curcuma wenyujin), Bai-Hua-She-She-Cao (Hedyotis diffusa Willd.), etc. Ganai No. II: Xue-Jie (Daemonorops draco BL.), Ru-Xiang (Boswellia carterii Birdw), Mo-Yao (Commiphpra myrrha Engl.), Zao-Xiu ( Sm.), Long-Kui (Solanum nigrum L.), etc.	Middle-advanced stage liver cancer	60	Prolong survival time, prevent recurrence and alleviate HACE induce leukocytopenia	[77]
Jinlong Capsule and TACE or RFA	Detoxifying and dissipating mass	Tian-Long (Gecko), Jin-Qin-Bai-Hua-She (Multibanded krait), Qi-She (Long-nosed pit viper)	Unresectable hepatocarcinoma	98, 76	Enhance short-term effect of TACE and improve quality of life; enhance RFA effects, reduce RFA induced liver injury, improve QOL and immune function	[78,89]
Syndrome differentiation based TCM therapy and TACE	Syndrome differentiation based TCM therapy	Xiao-Yao-San/Chai-Hu-Shu-Gan-San, Hua-Yu-Xiao-Liu-Tang, Long-Dan-Xie-Gan-Tang, Yi-Guan-Jian + Liu-Wei-Di-Huang-Wan	Middle-advanced stage hepatocarcinoma	67	Enhance short-term efficacy and reduce adverse effect of TACE, improve immune function and QOL	[79]
Shelian Capsule and TACE	Detoxifying, dissipating mass, tonifying Qi	Bai-Hua-She-She-Cao (Hedyotis diffusa Willd.), Ban-Zi-Lian (Sculellaria barbata), Hu-Zhang (Polygonum cuspidatum), Dan-shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge.), Ren-Shen (Panax ginseng), etc.	Early middle and advanced stage hepatocarcinoma	120	Enhance short-term efficacy of TACE, improve immune function and QOL	[80]
Matrine Injection and TACE	Clearing heat and detoxifying	Matrine, etc.	Hepatocarcinoma after TACE	122	Protect liver function	[81]
Jia Wei Si Jun Zi Tang and TACE	Tonifying spleen, nourishing Qi, soothing liver-Qi stagnation, and dissolving stasis	Dang-Shen (Codonopsis pilosula), Bai-Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz.), Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceous), Fo-Shou (Citrus medica L. var. sarcodactylis), Dan-shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge.), etc.	Advance stage of liver cancer	65	Protect liver function	[82]
Vascular Embolizing Agent	Vascular embolizing	Yu-Jin (Curcuma aromatic), Bai-Ji (Bletilla striata)	Stage II and III hepatocarcinoma (Yu-Jin), stage I-III hepatocarcinoma (Bai-Ji)	32 (Yu-Jin), 106 (Bai-Ji), 56 (Bai-Ji)	Vascular embolizing agent	[83-85]
Aidi Injection and RFA or MWA	Dissipating mass, tonifying Qi and Yin	Ban-Mao (Mylabris), Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceous), etc.	Middle-late stage hepatocarcinoma, stage II and III hepatocarcinoma	89, 61	Relieve the impairment of cool-tip radiofrequency ablation on hepatic function, improve immune function and reduce relapse; elevate MWA efficacy, improve QOL, immune and liver function	[86,92]
Xiaoaiping Injection and RFA	Dissolving stasis	Xiaoaiping injection	Middle-late stage hepatocarcinoma, advanced hepatocarcinoma	31, 68	Enhance RFA effects and reduce non-bacterial inflammatory response; inhibit tumor growth, improve QOL and immune function, increase progression-free survival	[87,99]
Tianzhicao Capsule and RFA	Detoxifying, dissolving stasis, tonifying Qi and Yin	Ban-Zi-Lian (Sculellaria barbata), Dan-shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge.), Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceous), Gou-Qi (Lycium barbarum), etc.	Small hepatocarcinoma	90	Improve QOL and immune function, prolong survival time	[88]
Fuzheng Yiliu Recipe and MWA		Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceous), Ling-Zhi (Ganoderma lucidum), Nü-Zhen-Zi (Ligustrum lucidum Ait.), etc.	Middle-advanced stage hepatocarcinoma	60	Enhance MWA efficacy, improve immune and liver function	[90]
Shenqi Mixture and MWA	Tonifying Qi	Ren-Shen (Panax ginseng), etc.	Stage II and III hepatocarcinoma	72	Enhance MWA efficacy, prolong survival time, improve QOL and immune function and relieve symptoms	[91]
Qiankun Capsule and HIFU	Tonifying spleen, detoxifying, and dissipating mass	Tai-Zi-Shen (Pseeudostellaria heterophylla), Bai-Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz.), Bai-Shao (Paeonia lactiflora), Xia-Ku-Cao (Prunella), Ban-Zi-Lian (Sculellaria barbata), etc.	Stage II and III hepatocarcinoma	60	Enhance therapeutic effects and improve immune function	[93]
Fu-Zhen-Yang-Yin Formula and HIFU	Tonifying Qi and Yin, detoxifying, and dissipating mass	Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceous), Tai-Zi-Shen (Pseeudostellaria heterophylla), Yin-Chen-Hao (Artemisia capillaris Thunb.), Bai-Hua-She-She-Cao (Hedyotis diffusa Willd.), Hu-Zhang (Polygonum cuspidatum), etc.	Advanced stage hepatocarcinoma	60	Alleviate HIFU induced fever and liver function damage	[94]
Syndrome Differentiation Based TCM Therapy and Sorafenib	Syndrome differentiation based TCM therapy	Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceous), Shan-Yao (Dioscorea opposita), Long-Kui (Solanum nigrum L.), Bai-Shao (Paeonia lactiflora), etc.	Advanced stage hepatocarcinoma	18	Enhance therapeutic efficacy of sorafenib and prolong survival time	[95]
Cinobufagin tablet and Sorafenib	Dissipating mass	Cinobufagin, etc.	Middle-advanced stage hepatocarcinoma	59	Enhance effects of sorafenib, improve QOL and liver function and relieve pain	[96]
Oleum fructus bruceas intervention, oral intake of Ganji Decoction and external application of Ailitong	Tonifying spleen, soothing liver-Qi stagnation, detoxifying, dissipating mass	Dang-Shen (Codonopsis pilosula), Chai-Hu (Bupleurum scorzonerifolfium Willd), Bai-Shao (Paeonia lactiflora), Tu-Bie-Chong (Eupolyphaga gasinensis Walk.), Bai-Hua-She-She-Cao (Hedyotis diffusa Willd.), etc.	Middle-advanced stage hepatocarcinoma	97	Prolong survival time, improve QOL and relieve pain	[97]
Hepatic artery perfusion/embolization with turmeric oil microballoon, cinobufotalin and Aidi injection, and Syndrome Differentiation Based TCM Therapy	Tonifying Qi and Yin, and dissipating mass	Yu-Jin (Curcuma aromatic), cinobufotalin, Ban-Mao (Mylabris), Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceous), etc.	Stage I to III hepatocarcinoma	41	Inhibit tumor growth with fewer adverse reactions, and ameliorate fatigue and anorexia	[98]
Cinobufacini Injection	Dissipating masses	Cinobufagin, etc.	Middle-advanced stage hepatocarcinoma	100	Inhibiting tumor growth, protecting liver function and prolonging survival time	[100]
Norcantharidin and herbal decoction	Tonifying spleen and Qi, and dissolving stasis	Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceous), Yin-Chen-Hao (Artemisia capillaris Thunb.), Hu-Zhang (Polygonum cuspidatum), Fu-Ling (Poria cocos), Tian-Long (Gecko), etc.	Elderly patients with late stage hepatocarcinoma	79	Inhibit tumor growth, prolong survival time and improve QOL	[101]
Jianpi Fuzheng Decoction	Tonifying Qi and Yin	Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceous), Yi-Yi-Ren (Coix lacryma-jobi L.), Dang-Shen (Codonopsis pilosula), Bai-Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz.), Nü-Zhen-Zi (Ligustrum lucidum Ait), etc.	Late stage hepatocarcinoma	60	Ameliorate TCM syndrome, improve QOL and immune function and prolong survival time	[102]
Jianpi Yiliu Decoction	Tonifying spleen and Qi, detoxifying, and dissolving stasis	Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceous), Dang-Shen (Codonopsis pilosula), Bai-Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz.), Ban-Zi-Lian (Sculellaria barbata), Yu-Jin (Curcuma aromatic), etc.	Late stage hepatocarcinoma	30	Ameliorate symptoms, improve QOL and protect liver function	[102]
Jiawei Yiguanjian	Tonifying Yin, clearing heat and draining dampness	Bei-Sha-Shen (Glehnia littoralis), Mai-Dong (Ophiopogon japonicus), Dang-Gui (Angelica sinensis), Gou-Qi (Lycium barbarum), Chui-Pen-Cao (Sedum sarmentosum Bunge), etc.	Late stage hepatocarcinoma	100	Prolong survival time, ameliorate TCM syndrome, and improve QOL and immune function	[104]

TCM: Traditional Chinese Medicine; TACE: Transarterial chemoembolization; RFA: Radiofrequency ablation; MWA: Microwave ablation; QOL: Quality of life; HIFU: High intensity focus ultrasound; HACE: Hepatic artery chemoembolization.

Table 3 Anti-cancer effects of herbal formulas against hepatocarcinoma

Herbal formula	Therapeutic principles	Herbs	Models	Effects	Targets/events	Ref.
Fuzheng Yiliu Granule	Tonifying Qi and blood, and dissolving stasis	Hong-Qi (Hedysarum polybotrys), Dang-Gui (Angelica sinensis), Mu-Tou-Hui (Patrinia scabra Bunge), etc.	Mouse H22 hepatocarcinoma bearing mice	Inhibit tumor growth, induce apoptosis	p53, caspase-3, mitochondrial membrane potential	[126,127]
Fuganchun 6	Tonifying Qi and Yin, detoxifying and dissipating mass	Huang-Qi (Astragalus membranaceus), Nü-Zhen-Zi (Ligustrum lucidum Ait), Bai-Hua-She-She-Cao (Hedyotis diffusa Willd), Bie-Jia (Carapax trionycis), E-Zhu (Curcuma kwangsiensis or Curcuma phaeocaulis or Curcuma wenyujin), etc.	Mouse H22 hepatocarcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo	Inhibite tumor growth and cell proliferation, and induce apoptosis	Enhance proliferation activity of lymphocyte, NK cells activities and IL-2 production	[128,178]
Bushen Jianpi Decoction	Tonifying spleen and kidney	Dang-Shen ( ), Bai-Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz.), Fu-Ling (Poria cocos), Shu-Di-Huang (Rehmannia glutinosa), shan-Zhu-Yu (Cornus officinalis), Du-Zhong (Eucommia ulmoides Oliver), etc.	Mouse H22 hepatocarcinoma bearing mice	Inhibit tumor growth, induce apoptosis	VEGF	[129]
Warming Yang and Dispersing Stasis Formula	Warming Yang and dispersing stasis	Fu-Zi (Aconitum carmichaeli Debx.), Huang-Qi (Astragalus membranaceus), Bai-Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz.), E-Zhu (Curcuma kwangsiensis or Curcuma phaeocaulis or Curcuma wenyujin), Bai-Shao (Paeonia lactiflora), etc.	Human BEL-7402 hepatocarcinoma cells	Induce apoptosis	Unknown	[130]
Fufangkushen injection	Clearing heat and removing toxicity	Ku-Shen (Sophora flavescens Ait.), etc.	Human SMMC-7721 hepatocarcinoma cells	Inhibit proliferation, induce apoptosis	Survivin, Bcl-2, caspase-3	[131]
Songyou Yin	Tonifying Qi and blood, dissolving stasis and dissipating mass	Dan-shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge.), Huang-Qi (Astragalus membranaceus Bge.), Gou-Qi (Lycium barbarum L.), Shan-Zha (Crataegus pinnatifida Bge.), and Bie-Jia (Trionyx sinensis Wiegmann)	Human MHCC97H hepatocarcinoma bearing nude mice; activated rat hepatic stellate cells and rat McA-RH7777 hepatoma cells	Induce apoptosis, inhibit tumor growth, prolong survival; inhibit invasion and metastasis	MMP-2, IL-6, TGF-β1, VEGF, epithelial-mesenchymal transition	[132,167]
Huang-lian-jie-du-tang	Clearing heat and removing toxicity	Huang-Lian (C. chinensis Franch), Huang-Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi), Huang-Bai (P. amurense Rupr) and Zhi-Zi (Gardenia jasminoides Ellis)	Human Hep G2 and PLC/PRF/5 hepatomain cells in vitro and in vivo	Inhibit cell proliferation, induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis	Cdc2, Cdc25C, cyclin A, cyclin B1, Cdc2, Cdc25C, Bax, Bak, Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, IkappaBalpha	[141]
Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang	Invigorating spleen-stomach and replenishing qi	Huang-QI (Astragalus membranaceus), Ren-Shen (Panax ginseng), Gang-Gui (Angelicae sinensis), Sheng-Ma (Cimicifuga foetida L.), Gan-Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis), Chen-Pi (Citrus poonensis), Chai-Hu (Bupleurum chinensis), Sheng-Jiang (Zingiber officinale), Da-zhao (Ziziphs jujuba), Bai-Shu (Atractylodes macrocephala KOIDZUMI)	Human hepatoma Hep3B, HepG2 and HA22T cells	Inhibit cell proliferation, induce apoptosis and arrest cell cycle at G0/G1 phase	Unknown	[142]
Jiedu Xiaozheng Yin	Heat-clearing and detoxification	Bai-Hua-She-She-Cao (Hedyotis diffusa Willd), Xia-Ku-Cao (Prunella), Shan-Ci-Gu (Pseudobulbus Cremastrae), Ku-Shen (Sophora flavescens)	Human Hep G2 hepatoma cell in vitro and in vivo	Inhibits the growth of HepG2 cells, arrest cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase	Cyclin D and cyclin E	[143]
Liver Yin Tonifying formula	Tonifying liver-Yin, draining dampness and dissipating stasis	Nü-Zhen-Zi (Ligustrum lucidum Ait), Zhi-Bie-Jia (processed Carapax trionycis) and Hu-Zhang (Polygonum cuspidatum)	Human hepatocarcinoma Bel-7402 cells	Inhibit proliferation, induce apoptosis and cell senescence	Caspases-8, -9 and -3, p16, p21, pRB	[152]
Modified Yi Guan Jian	Tonifying liver and kidney-Yin, draining dampness and dissipating stasis	Bei-Sha-Shen (Glehnia littoralis), Mai-Dong (Ophiopogon japonicus), Dang-Gui (Angelica sinensis), Shu-Di (dried Rehmannia glutinosa), Gou-Qi (Lycium barbarum), Chuan-Lian-Zi (Melia toosendan Sieb fruit), and Hu-Zhang (Polygonum cuspidatum)	Human hepatocarcinoma Bel-7402 cells	Inhibit proliferation, induce anoikis	Caspases-3, -8 and -9, p38 MAPK	[156]
Blejiajian Pill	Tonifying Qi, detoxifying and dissipating mass	Bie-Jia-Jiao(Carapacis trionycis-shell glue), E-Jiao(Colla Corii Asini), Feng-Fang (beehives), Chai-Hu (Bupleurum chinense), Huang-Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis), Ban-Xia (Pinellia ternate), Dang-Shen(Codonopsis pilosula), etc.	Human Hep G2 hepatoma cells	Inhibit cell proliferation, adhesion and invasion	Unknown	[168]
Compound Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza extract	Tonifying Qi and dissipating stasis	Astragalosides, astragalus polysaccharide and salvianolic acids	Human Hep G2 hepatoma cells	Inhibit TGF-β1 mediated invasion	TGF-β/Smad signaling	[169]
Shehuang Xiaoliu Fang	Tonifying spleen, dissolving stasis and detoxifying	She-Xiang (musk), Niu-Huang (Cow-Bezoar), Dan-shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge.), Bai-Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz.), Ban-Zi-Lian (Sculellaria barbata), E-Zhu (Curcuma kwangsiensis or Curcuma phaeocaulis or Curcuma wenyujin), etc.	Human SMMC-7721 hepatocarcinoma cells	Inhibit invasive and adhesive	nm23-h1 and ICAM-1	[170]
Xiaochaihu Decoction	Relief liver for smooth Qi	Chai-Hu (Bupleurum chinense), Huang-Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi), Sheng-Jiang (Zingiber officinale), Ban-Xia (Pinellia ternata), Da-Zao (Ziziphus jujuba), Ren-Shen (Panax ginseng), Gan-cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis)	Mouse H22 hepatocarcinoma bearing mice	Inhibit tumor growth	Increase T lymphocytes proliferation, NK cells activities and IL-2	[175]
Mylabris Mixture	Detoxifying and dissipating mass	Ban-Mao (Mylabris), Chen-Pi (Citrus reticulata Blanco), Gu-Ya (Setaria italica), etc.	Mouse H22 hepatocarcinoma bearing mice	Inhibit tumor growth	Increase CD4+, CD8+ lymphocytes and NK cells, and IFN-γ and IL-4 production	[176]
Fuzheng Yiliu Granule-2	Tonifying Qi and tonifying Yin	Huang-Qi (Astragalus membranaceus), Nü-Zhen-Zi (Ligustrum lucidum Ait), Ling-Zhi (Ganoderma lucidum), and Shan-Yao (Dioscorea opposita)	Mouse H22 hepatocarcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo	Inhibite tumor growth and cell proliferation, and induce apoptosis	Increase CD4+ lymphocyte, IL-2 and TNF-α, and NK cells	[177]
Fu-Zheng-Kang-Ai-Tang	Strengthening body resistance and anti-cancer	Ren-Shen (Panax ginseng), Huang-Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi), Ling-Zhi (Ganoderma lucidum), Huang-Qi (Astragalus membranaceus), etc.	Human Bel-7402 hepatocarcinoma bearing nude mice	Inhibit angiogenesis and tumor growth	VEGF and bFGF	[188]
Delisheng	Tonifying Qi and resolving masses	Ren-Shen (Panax ginseng), Huang-Qi (Astragalus membranaceus), Cantharidium, etc.	Human Hep G2 hepatoma cells	Inhibit tumor growth	Endostatin	[189]
QHF	Detoxifying, dissolving stasis and strengthening body resistance	Cinobufagin, Ginsenoside Rg3, Panax Notoginseng Saponins, lentinan	Mouse H22 hepatocarcinoma bearing mice	Inhibit angiogenesis and tumor growth, enhance anti-cancer effects DDP	VEGF, EGFR and MMP-2	[190,196]
Erbie San	Resolving masses	Bie-Jia (Carapax trionycis), etc.	Wistar rats bearing Walker-256 liver cancer	Inhibit tumor growth	VEGF and endostatin	[191]
Chaiqiyigan Granula	Tonifying spleen, soothing liver, dissolving stasis and detoxifying	Chai-Hu (Bupleurum chinense), Huang-Qi (Astragalus membranaceus), etc.	Human hepG2/EGFP hepatoma bearing nude mice	Enhance anti-cancer effects of Taxol	Bax, p53 and VEGF	[195]
Shengmai Injection	Tonifying Qi and Yin	Ren-Shen (Panax ginseng), Mai-Dong (Ophiopogon japonicus), etc.	Mouse H22 hepatocarcinoma bearing mice	Enhance anti-tumor efficacy and reduce toxicity of 5-Fu	Unknown	[197]

TGF: Transforming growth factor; IL-2: Interleukin-2; ICAM-1: Intercellular adhesion molecule 1; TNF: Tumor necrosis factor; VEGF: Vascular endothelial growth factor; MMP2: Matrix metalloproteinase-2; bFGF: Basic fibroblast growth factor; NK: Natural killer; IFN-γ: Interferon-γ; MAPK: Mitogen-activated protein kinases; Bcl-2: Bcl2-associated X protein; Cdc25B: Cell division cycle 25B.