Objective To explore the effects of Jisheng Shenqi decoction on homing of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) based on the SDF-1/ CXCR4 axis and analyze the mechanism of liver cirrhosis treatment with Jisheng Shenqi decoction combined with BMSCs transplantation. Methods A liver cirrhosis model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 40% carbon tetrachloride oil solution and other complex factors in 30 rats that were then randomly divided into the model control group (model group), BMSCs transplantation group (BMSCs group), and BMSCs transplantation combined with Jisheng Shenqi decoction group (combined group). Ten normal rats were used as the normal control group (normal group). The BMSCs and combined groups were injected with fluorescent-labeled BMSCs into the tail vein; the combined group was administered Jisheng Shenqi decoction at the same time; the normal and model groups were not treated. The liver function index and liver pathologic changes were observed at 4 weeks after treatment. The homing of BMSCs in liver tissue in each group was observed under fluorescence microscopy. The serum expressions of stem cell factor, hepatocyte growth factor, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and erythropoietin were detected by ELISA. The expressions of SDF-1 and CXCR4 proteins were detected by immunohistochemical staining. Results Under light microscopy, the degree of fibrosis and inflammatory activity was significantly improved in the BMSCs and combined groups compared with the model group. Compared with the normal group, the model group had significantly increased serum concentrations of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and γ-glutamine tanspeptidase and a decreased albumin concentration ( P< 0. 05); these concentrations were also significantly improved in the BMSCs and combined groups compared with the model group (P<0. 05). There were more homing BMSCs observed in the combined group than the BMSCs group (P<0. 05). Compared with the model group, the BMSCs and combined groups had increased expressions of stem cell factor, hepatocyte growth factor, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and erythropoietin; furthermore, the expressions of these factors were higher in the combined group than the BMSCs group ( P< 0. 05). Immunohistochemical analyses showed that the expressions of SDF-1 and CXCR4 proteins were upregulated in the BMSCs and combined groups compared with the model group, and were upregulated in the combined group compared with the BMSCs group ( P< 0. 05 ). Conclusions Jisheng Shenqi decoction activates the SDF-1/ CXCR4 biological axis, upregulates the expressions of related proteins and upstream regulatory factors, promotes the homing of BMSCs to the injured liver tissue, and significantly improves the liver function and pathological changes in a rat model of liver cirrhosis.