Abstract: Apigenin is a naturally occurring plant flavonoid that possesses antioxidant,anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.To investigate the effect of apigenin in mice spleen cells and mouse sarcoma S₁₈₀ cells,the spleen cells and S₁₈₀ cells were incubated with different concentrations of apigenin.The rates of viable cells were determined by MTT assay,apoptosis and the level of intercellular ROS were determined by flow cytometric analysis.The results showed that apigenin inhibited the proliferation of spleen cells and S₁₈₀ cells,induced cell apoptosis and increased intercellular ROS.

Key words: apigenin, cell proliferation, apoptosis, ROS