Objective To study the effect of Yangyin Qingre Liqi Formula（Formula for nourishing yin

clearing heat and regula-ting qi） and its 3 constituents on tumor growth of esophageal carcinoma cells transplanted in nude mice. Methods Totally 57 BALB/c female nude mice were randomized into model group

whole formula group

clearing heat group

regulating qi group and nourishing yin group

10 mice in each

and blank group of 7 mice.The human esophageal carcinoma EC9706 cells were transplanted in nude mice to make models.On the second day

gastric perfusion was given with the ethanol extract diluent of whole formula and its constituents to nourish yin

clear heat

and regulate qi respectively to the medicinal groups

once per day

totally 90 days.The quantity of food intake

body weight

and tumor size were observed.The tumor weight of all groups was measured after the experiment for calculating the tumor inhibitory rate.Results In all medicinal groups

the general life condition such as spirit and activities of the nude mice was improved and body weight increased

compared with the model group（P<0.01）.In whole formula group

clearing heat group and nourishing yin group

the quantity of food intake was also increased（P<0.05）.The tumor growth was inhibited in all medicinal groups with a significant difference in tumor size and weight

compared with the model group（P<0.05 or P<0.01）.The tumor inhibitory rate was in an order of whole formula group > nourishing yin group > clearing heat group > regulating qi group.The difference in tumor inhibitory rate of whole formula group and nourishing yin group was significant（P<0.05）.Conclusion Yangyin Qingre Liqi Formula and its separated constituents improve the general life conditions and inhibit the growth of esophageal carcinoma in nude mice.