Objective To study the effects of berberine on proliferation

migration

cell cycle and apoptosis in hormone-independent endometrial carcinoma cell line HEC-1 A. Methods Berberine’s inhibition of HEC-1 A cells proliferation was measured by using MTT colorimetry assay. Cell morphology was inspected under an inverted microscope. Investigated Berberine groups were divided into high-dose group（ 50 mg/L）

mid-dose group（ 25 mg/L）

and low-dose group（ 12. 5 mg/L）. Migration ability of cells in vitro was determined with Transwell. Cell cycle expressions were observed by using flow cytometry.Apoptosis of HEC-1 A cells was detected with Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining. Results Berberine may significantly inhibit the proliferation of HEC-1 A cells in a dose-dependent manner（ effective concentration of berberine ranged between 100 mg/L to 6. 25 mg/L）（ P < 0. 05）. Berberine could markedly change cell morphology

which was visible under an inverted microscope

with vacuoles in cells

structural damage even cracking into pieces

decreased adherent cells

and scattered alignment. Berberine could significantly inhibit HEC-1 A cell migration especially in the high-dose group

on which amount the number of migrating cells decreased markedly. G0/G1 phase arrest was induced by low-dose group treatment after 24 hours. Berberine could accelerate total rate of apoptosis

early apoptosis rate and late apoptosis rate of HEC-1 A cells significantly; however

increase of early apoptosis rate was more apparrent.Conclusion Berberine could inhibit proliferation and migration of hormone-independent endometrial carcinoma cell line HEC-1 A

and improve the apoptosis rate of HEC-1 A. Low-dose berberine may induce the cell at G0/G1 phase.