Abstract: OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of Periplaneta americana L. extract on human hepatoma cells Bel-7402. METHODS The proliferation of human hepatoma cells Bel-7402 was observed by MTT colorimetric, apoptosis was studied by Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. The changes of mitochondrial membrane potential were monitored by flow cytometry, cell apoptosis was detected by DNA ladder experiments, and the protein expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-9, Caspase-3, Caspase-8 were tested by western blotting test. RESULTS Periplaneta americana L. extract inhibited the proliferation of human hepatoma cells Bel-7402, IC₅₀ was 28.2 μg·mL^-1. It also induced the apoptosis of human hepatoma cells Bel-7402 and reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential. DNA ladder experiments showed trapezoidal electrophoretogram. Western blotting test showed that the protein expressions of Bax, caspase-9, caspase-3 increased, Bcl-2 decreased, and Caspase-8 expression was not significantly changed. CONCLUSION Periplaneta americana L. extract induces the apoptosis of human hepatoma cells Bel-7402 through mitochondrial pathway.