Objective: To investigate the effects of matrine on proliferation

apoptosis in human cervical cancer Hela cells and its possible molecular mechanism. Method: Hela cells were treated with matrine of different concentrations. MTT assay was used to measure the cell proliferative effect. The Annexin V FITC/PI double staining analysis by flow cytometry was used to evaluate apoptotic rate and the cell cycle. RT-PCR and western blotting were performed to detect the expression of Survivin gene. Result: Matrine could inhibit the proliferation of Hela cells in vitro

and dose-effect relationship was significant (P<0.01). IC50 of Hela cells was 2.60 g·L-1. The flow cytometry test indicated that matrine could make Hela cells G0-G1 phase gradually increasing

G2-M period and S phase reduce gradually

and with the increase of the dose

Hela cells apoptosis rate increased significantly (P<0.01). Matrine could suppress the expression of Survivin gene (P <0.01)

and with the dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: Matrine could effectively inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of Hela cells. Its molecular mechanisms might be related to modulating the expression of Survivin.