Objective: To investigate the effect of shikonin on the proliferation, apoptosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) of human mesangial cells (MC). Methods : MC was cultured in vitro with different concentrations of glucose (30, 50, 80 mmol/L). The cell growth was observed by using MTT method and apoptosis by using an aunexin-V-Fluos.Immunohistochemical studies for Laminin (LN), Fibronectin (FN) and type Ⅳ Collagens (Col Ⅳ ) were measured. Results: Shikonin inhibited their growth ( P ＜ 0.05) and apoptosis in the glycated cultured cells. Shikonin 0.05 mmol/L significantly reduced the secretion of LN, FN and Col Ⅳ from MC (P ＜ 0.05) cultured in 30, 50 and 80 mmol/L glucose.Conclusion: Shikonin could prevent or treat diabetic nephropathy (DN) and glomerulosclerosis (GS).