Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE ABSTRACT Aim: To elucidate the antiproliferative effects of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a green tea polyphenol, in the HPV 18 positive human cervical cancer HeLa cell line. Material and Methods: The viability of the cells was assessed by MTT and Trypan blue dye exclusion method. Cell cycle analysis and apoptosis by FITC-Annexin V were measured by flow cytometry. Protein expression was detected by Western blotting. Morphological

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... ges were observed by phase contrast microscope. Results: EGCG strongly decreased HeLa cell line proliferation in a dose-and time-dependent manner. Microscopic examination and flow cytometry assay showed that EGCG cause a reduction in cell number by its antiproliferative property. Furthermore, western blot assay of EGCG treated HeLa cell lines showed activation of caspase-3, caspase-9, cleavage of PARP and decreased Bcl-2 expression. Conclusion: EGCG strongly inhibited the growth of HPV-positive cervical cancer cells and induce apoptosis.