Objective: To investigate the effect of baicalin (BAI) on the proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its mechanisms. Methods: Forty-eight female SD rats were randomly divided into the control group, PCOS group, BAI low, middle and high dose groups and positive control group, with 8 rats in each group. PCOS model was established by subcutaneous injection of DHEA, and rats in the low, medium, and high dose groups of BAI were given baicalin (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg) by gavage. The Positive control group was given intraperitoneal injection (10 mg/kg) of Vitipofen; The control group and PCOS group were given equal volume 0.9% NaCl solution instead. Once a day for 4 weeks. The serum sex hormone levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). The pathological changes of ovary were observed by HE staining. After successful modeling, ovarian granulosa cells were extracted, and their proliferation was detected by MTT assay. Apoptosis was detected by Annex- inV-FITC/PI double staining and TUNEL staining. The relative expressions of BCL2 and BAX, P13K/AKT pathway related proteins P13K, AKT, p-P13K and p-AKT were detected by western blot. Results: The extracted ovarian granulosa cells are fibroblast-like and adhered well, with positive expression of specific proteins FSHR. Compared with the control group, the ovarian structure of rats in the PCOS group is disrupted, with an increase in bleeding, congestion, and the number of cystic follicles, as well as thickening of the white membrane. The levels of serum testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH), the apoptosis rate of ovarian granulosa cells and the expression of Bax protein are significantly increased (P<0.05), while the levels of Estradiolm (E2) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), the viability of ovarian granulosa cells, the expression of Bcl-2, p-P13K, and p-AKT protein are significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with PCOS group, BAI groups have obvious recovery of polycystic features, significant reduction in cysts, and complete arrangement of ovarian structure and granular cell layer. The levels of E2, and FSH in serum, the viability of ovarian granulosa cells, the expressions of Bcl-2, p-P13K and p-AKT protein are significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05), while the levels of T and LH in serum, the apoptosis rate of ovarian granulosa cells and the expression of Bax protein are significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Conclusion: Baicalin may promote the proliferation and inhibit the apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cell, which may alleviate PCOS by activating the P13K/AKT signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]