Abstract: OBJECTIVE To analyze the anti-proliferative and apoptotic properties of glycyrrhizin on human papilloma virus(HPV)18-positive HeLa cells in cervical cancer and its possible mode of action, and to explore the potential of glycyrrhizin in the prevention of HPV infection and treatment of cervical cancer. METHODS MTT assay was used to detect the inhibitory effect of glycyrrhizin on HeLa cell proliferation and the inhibition of caspase-8, caspase-9 and caspase-3 inhibitors. Cell morphology was observed by phase contrast microscopy. Nuclear condensation was detected by 4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining and nuclear morphology was detected by Hoechst 33342 staining. Apoptosis was analyzed by Annexin V-FITC/PI method. The activity of caspase in cervical cancer cells was determined by caspase-8, caspase-9 and caspase-3 colorimetric kits, and the mitochondrial membrane potential(ΔΨm) was evaluated by Mito Tracker Red CMX Ros staining. RESULTS Compared with control group, exposure to glycyrrhizin significantly reduced HeLa cell viability, accompanied by nuclear condensation and increased DNA fragmentation, in a dose-dependent manner. Glycyrrhizin could induce apoptosis by mitochondrial depolarization and could induce caspase-8, caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation in cervical cancer HeLa cells. CONCLUSION The anti-proliferative and apoptotic properties of glycyrrhizin on cervical cancer cells may be through the induction of disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential and activation of caspases activity in intracellular and extracellular pathways. Glycyrrhizin can be used as an adjunct prevent and manage cervical cancer.