AIM To observe the effects of Oxymatrine on induction of apoptosis in human ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells. METHODS Apoptosis induced by Oxymatrine in human ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells was tested by MTT assay, fluorescent microscope, and DNA gel eletrophoresis. RESULTS SKOV3 cell viability dropped down depending on the Oxymatrine concentration and treatment time. When incubated with Oxymatrine (0 189 mmol?L -1 and 0 378 mmol?L -1 ) for 48 h, SKOV3 cells showed morphological changes associated with the characters of apoptosis under fluorescent microscope. Typical DNA ladder was found during gel eletrophoresis. CONCLUSION Oxymatrine can induce apoptosis in SKOV3 cell lines.