Objective:To discuss the effects and possible molecular mechanisms of artesunate on the cell apoptosis of human gastric cancer line HGC27. Methods The HGC27 cells were divided into the control group,artesunate groups at concentrations of 20 mg·L-1,80 mg·L-1 and 160 mg·L-1,respectively. The effects of artesunate on HGC27 cell proliferation were detected by CCK8 assay after treatment for 24 h,48 h and 72 h,respectively. The effects of artesunate on HGC27 cell apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. The effects of artesunate on the expressions of β-catenin,glycogen synthase kinase-3β(GSK-3β),c-Myc and cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3(Caspase-3)were detected by Western blot.  Results:Artesunate could inhibit the HGC27 cell proliferation. Compared with the control group,the inhibitory rate of cell proliferation was significantly increased in artesunate groups at all concentrations(P<0.05),with a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Artesunate could induce the HGC27 cell apoptosis. Compared with the control group,the rate of cell apoptosis was significantly increased in artesunate groups at all concentrations(P<0.05),with a concentration-dependent manner. The results of Western blot showed that the protein expression levels of GSK-3β and Caspase-3 were significantly up-regulated(P<0.05),while those of β-catenin and c-Myc were significantly down-regulated(P<0.05)in artesunate-treated groups.  Conclusion:Artesunate can significantly inhibit the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of HGC27 cells,which may be related to inhibiting the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.