Abstract: ObjectiveTo study the effect of iridoid glucosides from Boschniakia rossica(IGBR)on proliferation and apoptosis of lung carcinoma cell.MethodsMethyl-thiazolyl-tetrazolium assay was used to examine the proliferation of A549 cell.Terminal deoxynuc leotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling method was used for the determination of cell apoptosis and immunohistochemical method was used for the determination of Bax,Bcl-2,P53 and Fas protein expression.ResultsIGBR inhibited the proliferation of lung carcinoma cells in a time-and concentration-dependent manner(P<0.01), and induced apoptosis.Furthermore,IGBR increased the expression of Fas and Bax proteins(P<0.01)and decreased the expression of Bcl-2(P<0.01).While there was no significant change in the levels of P53.ConclusionIGBR could exert an anti-lung cancer effect via induction of cell apoptosis.Its anticancer mechanism needs to be explained.