Objective    To investigate the effects of artesunate on human cervical cancer cell line HeLa.     Methods    The inhibitory effect on cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay. Transmission electron microscopy and fluorescent staining were applied to demonstrate the presence of apoptosis. Cell cycle

reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ

m

) were examined by flow cytometry

respectively. Expression of caspase-3 was detected by immunohistochemical methods.     Results    Growth inhibition of ART on HeLa cells was time- and dose-dependent. Apoptotic feature was observed by transmission electron microscopy and

fluorescent staining. The blocking of the cell cycle was in S-phase. The expression of caspase-3 in cytoplasm was positive. The generation of ROS increased obviously (P0.01) after ART treated the cells for 72 h

while the levels of ΔΨ

m

were decreased (P0.05).     Conclusion    Artesunate inhibits the proliferation of HeLa cells

which action may be related to increasing of the cellular ROS level and decreasing of mitochondrial member potential

resulting in cell apoptosis.