Aim To investigate the effect of pinocembrin on apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC) induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS). Methods HUVEC were collected by digestion-perfusion culture.An apoptotic model of HUVEC was established by 10 mg/L LPS.The apoptosis of HUVEC induced by LPS was mixed with culture medium of 50 mg/L,100 mg/L and 200 mg/L pinocembrin,after treatment of 24 hours,HUVEC apoptotic rate was detected by TUNEL assay.Cell-morphosis was observed by light microscope.Cell survival rate was measured by MTT assay.Expression of nuclear factor–kappa B p65(NF-κB p65) was detected by immunocytochemistry staining. Results HUVEC apoptotic rate of model group increased obviously than control group,and different dosage pinocembrin group discreased significantly than model group(P><0.01).Meanwhile,cell survival rate was increased after pinocembrin treatment.Expression of NF-κB p65 in LPS induced HUVEC was reduced significantly after pinocembrin treatment compared with those induced apoptosis group by LPS(P><0.01). Conclusion Pinocembrin may inhibit the apoptosis of HUVEC,the protection mechanism of pinocembrin on HUVEC may be related to reducing the activity of NF-κB.Thereby it plays a role in protecting the vascular endothelial cells.