Objective To explore the possible action mechanism of Huazhuo Jiedu Ruanjian Recipe（化浊解毒软坚方） in the treatment of primary liver cancer. Methods A total of 32 H22 hepatocarcinoma model mice were randomly divided into model group

traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） group

western medicine group and combined group

with 8 rats in each group. After inoculation of H22 hepatoma cells for 24 hours

the TCM group was given 0. 2 ml aqueous solution of Huazhuo Jiedu Ruanjian Granules（containing 752. 7 mg of crude drug）

and the western medicine group was given intraperitoneal injection of 0. 4 ml 5-fluorouracil injection. The combined group was intragastrically given and intraperitoneally injected aqueous solution of Huazhuo Jiedu Ruanjian（the dose was the same as above）

and the model group was administered with 0. 2 ml of normal saline. After 7 consecutive days

the tumor weight of each group was compared and the tumor inhibition rate was calculated. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to detect the expression of interleukin-6（IL-6） and signaling protein and activator of transcription 3（STAT3）. Results The tumor inhibition rates of the TCM group

western medicine group and combined group were 48. 78%

53. 65% and 71. 81%

respectively. The anti-tumor effect of the combined group was more obvious.Compared with the model group

the expression of IL-6 and STAT3 protein in the tumor weight and tumor tissues of the other groups decreased

and the combined group was more significantly lower than the TCM group and western medicine group（P < 0. 05）. Conclusion Huazhuo Jiedu Ruanjian Recipe can inhibit the activation of IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway

which can effectively regulate the microenvironment of tumor inflammation

which may be one of the mechanisms for the treatment of primary liver cancer.