Cell-based high-throughput proliferation and cytotoxicity assays for screening traditional Chinese herbal medicines

► A cell-based fluorescence assay was developed for screening cytotoxic effects of drugs and TCHMs. ► Mouse embryonic stem and human colon and breast cancer cells expressing EGFP were cultured in 3-D. ► Drug effects on cell proliferation or death were monitored via the dynamic culture fluorescence. ► The results from 3 TCHMs validated the 3-D fluorescent culture screening method. ► The 3-D fluorescent assay is more sensitive and reliable than 2-D and cell counting assay.