Objective To explore the effect of EtOAc extract from Saxifraga taugutica (EST) on carcinoma cells and orthotopic-transplanted tumors. Methods Murine cancer cells ( H22 cells ) were incubated with different concentrations of EST for 48 h in vitro. Morphological changes were examined by laser confocal microscopy after AO/ EB double staining. Apoptosis of carcinoma cells was determined by DNA electrophoresis. and flow cytometry. Orthotopic- transplanted tumors in mice were established in vivo. The tumor inhibition rate, thymus index, spleen index, and liver pathology were compared between low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups. Results Apoptotic morphological changes of H22 cells were observed, with the level of apoptosis gradually increasing with increased EST concentration. DNA electrophoresis demonstrated a typical ladder pattern. Flow cytometry revealed that the apoptosis rate of H22 cells was 31% in the EST group with 500 μg / mL. In vivo experiments showed that the tumor inhibition rate was dose-dependent to some extent; the best tumor inhibition rate was 64. 3% in the high dose group, followed by tumor inhibition rates of 46. 7% in the medium dose group and 33% in the low dose group. Spleen and thymus indexes in the EST group was significantly higher than those in the model group (P< 0. 05). Histological observation showed that the proliferation and invasion of cancer cells was inhibited to different degrees, and karyopyknosis of cancer cells was identified in the EST group. Conclusion EST could enhance the immune function of mice, induce apoptosis of tumor cells, and significantly inhibit the proliferation of carcinoma cells in a dose-dependent manner.