It was discussed in the article about the effect of plant sterol on cell proliferation and apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cell.MethodsUsing cell culture, SH-SY5Y cells were treated with different concentrations of plant sterol. Morphology of the cells was analyzed by inverted microscope, cell survival rate by MTT assay, determination of cell apoptosis by flow cytometry. ResultsCompared with the control group, phytosterol concentration of 1μmol/L, had a significant effect on cell survival rate (P<0.01); Morphological comparison revealed increase with different concentrations of plant sterol including shorter synapses, cellular degeneration and atrophy; Early apoptosis was caused by different concentrations of plant sterol.ConclusionPhytosterols has the potential to be cytotoxic for neuron by inhibiting cell growth and inducing apoptosis.