Objective: To observe the role of icaritin on Estrogen-dependent breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Method: MCF-7 human breast cancer was used to observe proliferation rate by different concentrations of icaritin alone and combined effects of estrogen in human breast cancer MCF-7 cell

and test the expression of estrogen receptor (ERα). Result: When MCF-7 cells were treated with ICT

MCF-7 cells proliferation was promoted. The activity of ERα report gene expression could be induced by icaritin. The effect of estradiol(E2) could be antagonized by icaritin when treated with the combined icaritin and E2. Conclusion: The icaritin can promote MCF-7 cells proliferation and has certain phytoestrogenic effects. The activity of ERα report gene expression can be antagonized by icaritin.