Abstract: BACKGROUND ＆ AIM： To evaluate the inhibiting effects of Genistein on B16 melanoma cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS： B16 melanoma cells were treated with 10,30,90 μmol/L of Genistein for 1～4 days. Growth curve test served as the index to reflect proliferative activity of B16 melanoma cells.Morphological changes of B16 melanoma cells, melanin content in the supernatant of melanoma cells，distribution of cell cycle were assessed by Flow Cytometery. RESULTS: Genistein at the concentration of 10,30,90 μmol/L inhibited significantly the growth of B16 melanoma cells in a dose dependent manner with statistical significance (P<0.05 vs control). Interestingly, Genistein induced the differentiation of B16 melanoma cells and decreased the melanin granule and number of cells. Flow cytometry showed that numerous cells were arrested at S phase of cell cycle. CONCLUSION： Genistein at the dose of 10,30,90 μmol/L significantly induced differentiation of B16 cells while inhibiting their growth.

Key words: genistein, B16 melanoma cells, induced differentiation