Abstract: The relationships between apoptosis and taxol production of Taxus cuspidata cells cultured in coupling medium composed of oleic acid,as organic phase,and improved B 5 medium were studied.The results showed that there was parabolic relationship between total taxol content and apoptosis rate.The coupling culture method effectively promoted taxol releasing from inside to outer of the cells.The effect of taxol on apoptosis decreased to minimum because most of taxol deposited in oleic acid.Thereby,it was presumed that the occurrence of apoptosis could promote the production of taxol.