Abstract:Objective:To investigate the reversal effect of the effective component of Verbena Officinalis L. (4’-methery-scutellarein,4’-M-S) on multidrug resistant JAR/VP16 cell line. Methods:MTT[3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2,5-dipheny tetrasodium bromide] assay was used to examine the action of 4’-M-S on proliferation of JAR/VP16 cells, determine the available reversal concentration of 4’-M-S and measure the reversal index and ratio on JAR/VP16 cells. Secretory volume of chorionic gonadotrophic hormone(hCG) was measured by monoclonal antibody enzyme-linked immunoquantitation. Cell cycle profile and apoptotic cell rate was examined by flow cytometry(FCM), the morphologic and ultramicrostructural changes were observed with light and transmission electron-microscope(TEM). Results:The resistance of JAR/VP16 to VP16, MTX and ACTD, was enhanced up to 5.02,3.67,2.48 folds and ratios of 81.19%,76.89%,64.08% after exposure of the cells to 20 -滋g/ml 4’-M-S, respectively. Secretory volume of hCG in drug-resistance cell was decreased obviously when treated with combination of 4’-M-S and VP16. Cell cycle was blocked at the period of G0-G1 and G2-M , cell apoptotic rate was increased to 19.71%. The earlier apoptotic changes were observed under TEM in the cells treated. Conclusion:4’-M-S has a strong reversal effect on multidrug resistance in JAR/VP16 cells, which may be achieved by inhibiting growth of JAR/VP16 cells and inducing cell apoptosis.