Objective:To evaluate the protective effects of (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) combined with procyanidins B2 (PC-B2 ) on liver cell damage caused by aflatoxin B1 (AFB1 ). Method:L-02 cells were selected in an experimental study in vitro and divided into 6 groups:control group; solvent control group; AFB1 group; EGCG+AFB1 group; PC-B2 +AFB1 group; EGCG+PC-B2 +AFB1 group. The cells survival was determined by MTT; DNA damage was detected by single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE); the flow cytometry method was used to detect cell apoptosis; and the expressions of protein about apoptosis signaling pathways (Bcl-2

Bax

Caspase-3

Caspase-9

P53) were detected with Western blot method. Result:EGCG and PC-B2 can reduce liver cell growth inhibition caused by AFB1 from 61.12% to 42.18% and 46.72%; EGCG combined with PC-B2 made a better effect. SCGE results showed that either EGCG or PC-B2 can reduce liver cell DNA damage caused by AFB1 . Simple or combined administration of EGCG and PC-B2 can decrease the early apoptosis rate of L-02 cells induced by AFB1 (P<0.05). Western blot experiments showed that after treatment with AFB1

EGCG or (and) PC-B2 treatment can reduce the expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 significantly (P<0.01)

and improve the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax

but with no obvious expression of P53. Conclusion:EGCG and PC-B2 can protect the human normal liver cells from the damage induced by AFB1 reducing L-02 cell DNA damage and inhibiting the apoptosis

and the mechanism may be correlated with the down-regulation of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 expressions and the increase in Bcl-2/Bax.