Objective: To observe the effect of plumbagin on the mRNA and protein expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in human hepatic stellate cell (HSC )- LX2 cells stimulated by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in vitro. Method: HSC-LX2 cells were cultured in vitro and divided into the blank group

the model group

the high-

medium-and low-dose plumbagin groups (2.0

1.5

1.0 μmol·L-1). After being incubated with each drug for 72 hours

the mRNA expression of α-SMA was assayed by RT-PCR and the protein expression of α-SMA was assayed by immunocytochemistry. Result: Compared with blank group

the mRNA and protein expressions of α-SMA in HSC-LX2 cells increased in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with model group

the mRNA and protein expressions of α-SMA were inhibited in the high-and medium-dose plumbagin groups (P<0.05

P<0.01). Meanwhile

there were better results in the high-dose plumbagin group (P<0.01). Conclusion: Plumbagin could inhibit the activation and proliferation of HSC-LX2 cells and have certain anti-hepatic fibrosis effect.The mechanism may be related to restraining the mRNA and protein expressions of α-SMA.