Objective:The aim of our study was to explore the inhibitory effect of Tagalsin on murine transplanted tumour and its anti-tumour mechanisms.Methods:Animal models were established by transplanting H22 hepatoma cells to the left oxter of mice,and ten days later they were randomly divided into five groups:blank control group (edible oil),positive control group (HCFU) and Tagalsin group,including low-dose,middle-dose and high-dose group.All mice were killed 24 h after medication,during which observation was conducted concerning survival conditions,body weight changes,spleen weight and tumor weight of tumor-bearing mice;the spleen index and the tumor inhibitor rate (IR) were calculated and pathological changes of tumor-bearing mice were observed by HE dye.Apoptosis factors p53 and Survivin mRNA were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Results:Tagalsin can inhibit hepatoma growth effectively without influencing spleen index and body weight,the tumor inhibitor rate (IR) of low,middle and high dose group of Tagalsin were 15.81%,36.75% and 74.79% respectively,the tumor inhibitor rate (IR) of HCFU were 73.93%.Apoptosis cells could be found from the specimen of the positive control group and Tagalsin groups.Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) results showed that positive control group's and Tagalsin treatment groups' p53 gene expression enhanced significantly and Survivin gene expression dropped comparing with blank group (P < 0.05).Conclusion:Tagalsin can inhibit growth of the H22 hepatoma cells significantly,the mechanism of anti-tumor effect may work by up-regulating p53 expression and down-regulating Survivin expression.Tagalsin may be considered as a potential candidate for chemoprevention.