Objective: To investigate the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of saponins from Plumeria acuminata Ait on oral squamous carcinoma cells (OSCC). Methods: OSCC cells seeded at 2 × 104 cells/well in a 96-well plate were treated with saponins from P. acuminata Ait and cisplatin in various concentrations for 24 h. Trypan blue dye exclusion assay and ethidium bromide/acridine orange were used to evaluate their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on the cells, respectively. Results: The results showed that both saponins and cisplatin had cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on OSCC cells. Conclusion: Saponins from P. acuminata Ait may be potential anti-cancer agents for OSCC. Palabras clave: apoptosis, OSCC, Plumeria acuminata Ait, saponins