OBJECTIVE: Neuroblastoma is the most common malignant solid tumor in children under 4 years. Amplification of MYCN oncogene is associated with advanced-stage disease, rapid tumor progression, resistance to treatment, and poor outcome. Matirne has the anti-tumor activity. This study was designed to investigate the effects of matrine on LA-N-5 cell line proliferation and MYCN gene mRNA expression. METHODS: Neuroblastoma LA-N-5 cells were treated by 0.25,0.50,0.75 or 1.00 mg/mL matrine. MTT was used to measure the levels of the proliferation of LA-N-5 cells cultured with different concentrations of matrine. MYCN gene mRNA expression in LA-N-5 cells was measured using real time RT-PCR with SYBR GREEN I fluorescence. RESULTS: The proliferation of LA-N-5 cells was obviously inhibited by matrine in a dose-and time-dependent manner. Matrine of 1.00 mg/mL treatment for 72 hrs produced a best effect, with an inhibitory rate of LA-N-5 cell proliferation of 36.3% and an inhibitory rate of MYCN gene mRNA expression of 44.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Matrine may inhibit the growth of neuroblastoma cells and down-regulate MYCN mRNA expression. It may be promising as a new drug for treatment of neuroblastoma.