The crude extract of Ampelopsis cantoniensis induced apoptosis in human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells and this induction was investigated by flow cytometric analysis, DNA gel electrophoresis and poly (ADP-ribose) fluorescence staining. The results demonstrated that this extract induced dose-dependent cytotoxicity and apoptosis. The level of active caspase-3 was increased after treatment with the crude extract for 24 hours.