Abstract: Objective To observe the inhibiting effect of elemene on tumor growth and angiogenesis of human gastric cancer orthotopically transplanted in nude mice. Methods Using nude mice as in situ model with or without transplanted human gastric carcinoma.The mice were randomly divided into four groups:the NS,the 5-Fu,the elemene and the combined group,by intraperitoneal injection.The tumor weight was compared in each group.The MVD and the expression of VEGF and p53 protein were detected by immunohistochemistry.The expression of VEGF mRNA was detected by RT-PCR. Results The tumor weight in the combined group was significantly decreased than that in the NS group.The tumor MVD,the expression of VEGF protein,p53 protein and VEGF mRNA in the elemene group and the combined group was significant lower than than in the NS control group.The positive correlation was observed between the tumor weight and MVD in the implanted tumors. Conclusion Elemene can inhibit the growth and the tumor angiogenesis of gastric carcinoma orthotopically transplanted in nude mice.The mechanism of anti-angiogenesis may be related to that elemene plays a role in with inhibiting the expression of VEGF and p53 in the transplanted tumor.