Abstract: AIM: To study the effect of mistletoe lectins on cell proliferation and apoptosis in HT-29 human colon cancer cell.METHODS: The effect of mistletoe lectins on cell viability in HT-29 cell was evaluated by MTT assay.Cell apoptosis was observed by DNA ladder analysis and Tunel.RESULTS: Mistletoe lectins (eg., 1-4 mg L) inhibited cell growth in a dose and time dependent way in HT-29 cells.HT-29 cells apoptosis can be induced when exposed to mistletoe lectins(eg., 1-4 mg L).CONCLUSION: Mistletoe lectins can inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in HT-29 cells in vitro.

Key words: mistletoe lectins, colon cancer, apoptosis