Background The role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in shikonin-induced HeLa cells apoptosis remains vague. This study was to investigate the activation of caspase pathways and the role of ERK1/2 in human cervical cancer cells, HeLa, by shikonin. Methods The inhibitory effect of shikonin on the growth of HeLa cells was measured by MTT assay. Fluorescent microscopic analysis of apoptotic cells stained with 4’,6’-oliiamiclino-2-phenylindole C (DAPI) and Hoechst 33258 was carried out. Caspase-3 and -8 activities were detected using caspase-3 substrate and caspase-8 substrate as substrates, respectively. The protein levels of ERK, p53 and p-ERK were determined by Western blot analysis.Results Shikonin inhibited cell growth in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Caspase-3 and caspase-8 were activated in the apoptotic process and caspase inhibitors effectively reversed shikonin-induced apoptosis. Phosphorylation of ERK resulted in up-regulation of p53 expression, which was blocked by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK), inhibitor PD 98059.Conclusion Shikonin induces HeLa cell apoptosis through the ERK, p53 and caspase pathways. Background The role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1 / 2) in shikonin-induced HeLa cells apoptosis remains vague. This study was to investigate the activation of caspase pathways and the role of ERK 1/2 in human cervical cancer cells, HeLa by shikonin. Methods The inhibitory effect of shikonin on the growth of HeLa cells was measured by MTT assay. Fluorescent microscopic analysis of apoptotic cells stained with 4 ’, 6’-oliiamiclino-2-phenylindole C (DAPI) and Hoechst 33258 was carried out. Caspase-3 and -8 activities were detected using caspase-3 substrate and caspase-8 substrate as substrates, respectively. The protein levels of ERK, p53 and p-ERK were determined by Western blot analysis. Results Shikonin inhibited cell growth in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Caspase-3 and caspase-8 were activated in the apoptotic process and caspase-induced apoptosis in human lung adenocarcinoma. Phosphorylation of ERK resulted in up-regulation of p53 expressi on, which was blocked by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK), inhibitor PD 98059. Confound Shikonin induces HeLa cell apoptosis through the ERK, p53 and caspase pathways.