OBJECTIVE:To investigate the underlying mechanism of Bailian(Radix Ampelopsis Japonicae,BL)ex tract action on colorectal cancer(CRC).METHODS:We explored the involvement of β-catenin signaling on the anti-CRC effects of an BL ethanolic extract(BLE)in cell models by using the 3-(4,5-dim ethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay,immunofluorescent staining,luciferase assay,Western blot analysis and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis.Anti-CRC compounds were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography.RESU LTS:The contents of gallic acid,catechin,and epicatechin in the BLE were 0.23,1.25,and 0.18 g/kg,respectively.BLE-mediated cytotoxic and apoptotic effects were accompanied by loweredβ-catenin/Tcf transcriptional activity,reducedβ-catenin nuclear localization,and downregulated protein and mRNA levels of both β-catenin and molecules regulated by β-catenin.CONCLUSION:The mechanism underpinning the anti-CRC effects of BLE may involve inhibition ofβ-catenin signaling.Further studies are necessary to esta blish the role of β-catenin sig naling in the action of BLE-mediated anti-CRC effects.