Objective To explore the effects of matrine and oxymatrine on apoptosis in human hepatocarcinoma SMMC-7721 cells.Methods The MTT assay and double staining of annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate(annexin V-FITC)/propidium iodide(propidium iodide, PI)were used to detect proliferation and apoptosis of SMMC-7721 cells, respectively.Results When the concentrations of matrine and oxymatrine were 0.50 mg/ml, 1.00 mg/ml and 2.00 mg/ml, the proliferation inhibition rates in SMMC-7721 cells was gradually increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner,and the inhibition of matrine on proliferation were greater than that of oxymatrine in the same concentration(1.00 mg/ml)(24 h:42.39%±0.04%vs. 21.36%±0.02%;48 h: 51.69%±0.03%vs. 36.16%±0.02%;72 h: 78.98%±0.05%vs. 61.24%±0.13%;allP<0.05). When the concentrations of matrine and oxymatrine were 0.25 mg/ml, 0.50 mg/ml and 1.00 mg/ml, the apoptosis rates of SMMC-7721 cells were significantly increased;and induction of matrine in apoptosis in SMMC-7721 cells was greater than that of oxymatrine at the same time point(48 h)(apoptosis rates in 0.25 mg/ml, 4.08%±0.20%vs. 2.20%±0.18%;0.50 mg/ml: 4.32%±0.19%vs. 3.08%±0.26%;1.00 mg/ml: 9.93%±0.18%vs. 9.01%±0.20%;allP<0.05).Conclusion Matrine and oxymatrine can inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis human hepatocarcinoma SMMC-7721 cells.