Abstract: ObjectiveTo explore the inhibitory effects of resveratrol(Res) on growth of Lewis lung cells in mice and the underlying mechanism. MethodsThirty-two C57BL mice inoculated Lewis lung cancer cell were randomly divided into 4 groups (each group with 8 mice): control group, low-dose Res group, high-dose Res group and cisplatin group(positive control). Different treatments were administrated from day 4 to day 17 after inoculation, then all mice were sacrificed. The tumors were removed and weighed to calculate inhibitory rate. Expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor(MIF) was detected by western blot. Apoptotic index of tumor cells was determined by TUNEL assay. ResultsThe inhibitory rates were 11.54%, 54.58% and 62.32% in low-dose Res group, high-dose Res group and cisplatin group respectively. Tumor weight and levels of MIF protein expression were significantly lower in high-dose Res group and cisplatin group compared with control group(P<0.01) . Apoptotic index was enhanced in high-dose Res group and cisplatin group than that in control group(P<0.01). Conclusion Res had a strong inhibitory effects on growth of Lewis lung cancer by inhibition of MIF protein expression and induction of tumor cell apoptosis.