Abstract: Objective : To study methylation status of p16 during apoptosis of cervical carcinoma HeLa cell induced by trichosanthin, explore the correlation between cell apoptosis and methylation status of tumor suppressor gene and search for a novel demethlated druggery. Methods : Apoptosis-inducing effect of trichosanthin on cervical carcinoma was detected by MTT and flow cytometry, methylation status of p16 was detected by Methylation-specific PCR. Results : After treatment with TCS, HeLa cells showed a serial of characteristic change of apoptosis, such as the occurrence of subdiploid peak. The CpG island of pig was obvious demethylated. conclusion : Trichosanthin can make p16 obviously demethylated during induction of HeLa cell apoptosis, which is perhaps a novel demethylated druggery.There is a correlation between cell apoptosis and methylation status of tumor suppressor gene.