AIM:To study the effects of matrine (Mat) on cell cycle of rabbit lens epithelial cells (RLECs) in vitro.·METHODS:0.5g,1.0g and 1.5g/L Mat was added to the RLECs in vitro for 72 hours culture respectively.The cell cycle of RLECs was analyzed by flow cytometer (FCM).·RESULTS:The percentage of RLECs in S stage was decreased significantly by Mat(P<0.05),while with a significant increase in the percentage of G0-G1 stage cells(P<0.05).·CONCLUSION:Mat could effectively prevent cell division to inhibit the proliferation of RLECs in vitro.