To study the inhibitory effects and mechanisms of polyphyllin VII on the proliferation and migration of human lung cancer H460 cells.MTT assay was used to detect the cell viability of H460 cells after treatment with polyphyllin VII.Cell morphology changes were observed by Hoechst 33258 staining.Cell colony formation assay was used to investigate the ability of cell proliferation ability.Cell migration and invasion ability were detected by wound scratch assay and Transwell chamber experiment.The expressions of proteins were detected by western blot analysis.The results showed that polyphyllin VII significantly inhibited the proliferation and colony formation of H460 cells,also inhibited cell migration and invasion in vitro,and finally induced apoptosis in H460 cells.After treatment with polyphyllin VII,MMP-2 and MMP-9 were significantly decreased in H460 cells.The expressions of apoptosis-associated proteins,such as cleaved caspase-3 and Bax were increased,in addition,ICAD and Bcl-2 were decreased,suggested that polyphyllin VII inhibited the migration and invasion of H460 cells by regulating matrix metalloproteinases,and finally induced apoptosis.