Objective To investigate the effect of Yangjing Capsule (YC) extract on proliferation of GC-1 spg cells and the mechanism.Methods: GC-1 spg cells were treated with different concentrations of YC extract.MTT assay was performed to detect the cell viability.Flow cytometry was used to measure the cell cycle and apoptosis of GC-1 spg cells.Real-time PCR and Western blot were applied to determine the mRNA and protein expression of Oct-4 and Plzf.Gfrα1 knockdown and LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor) were applied to explore the underlying mechanism.Results: After 48 h treatment of YC, the viability of GC-1 spg cells increased significantly and the ratio of apoptotic cells reduced significantly.It showed YC could evidently stimulate the proliferation of GC-1 spg cells.The increased mRNA and protein expression of Oct-4 and PLZF suggested YC extract could promote self-renewal of GC-1 spg cells.Both Gfrα1 siRNAs and LY294002 treatments could hold back YC extracts stimulation effects on mRNA and protein expression of Oct-4 and Plzf, and consequently, inhibit the proliferation of GC-1 spg cells induced by YC extract.Conclusions: YC extract could stimulate the proliferation of GC-1 spg cells.By binding to Gfrα1, YC extract is able to trigger the activation of PI3K pathway and finally lead to self-renewal of GC-1 spg cells.