Objective: To investigate the effect of safflower polysaccharide on proliferation and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expressions of human cervical cancer Hela cells

and discuss its molecular mechanism against cervical cancer. Method: Human cervical cancer Hela cells were cultured in vitro with different concentrations of safflower polysaccharide (0.02

0.04

0.08

0.16

0.32

0.64

1.28 g·L-1) for 48 hours. Their effect on Hela cells proliferation was assessed by 3-(4

5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2

5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Hela cells were treated with different concentrations of safflower polysaccharide (0.16

0.32

0.64 g·L-1) for 48 hours

and then enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the VEGF expression in cells supernatant;reverse Real-time PCR was used to detect VEGF mRNA expressions and Western blot method was used to detect VEGF protein expressions. Result: Compared with the blank group

safflower polysaccharide (0.16

0.32

0.64 g·L-1) could significantly inhibit the proliferation of Hela cells after 48 h treatment in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Safflower polysaccharide could significant down-regulate mRNA expressions and protein expressions of VEGF of Hela cells

with significantly statistical differences (P<0.05). Conclusion: Safflower polysaccharide can inhibit proliferation of cervical cancer Hela cells and have its antitumor effect by inhibiting the expressions of VEGF.