AIM: To investigate the effect of skullcapflavone II (SCF-II) on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) in human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs), as well as to identify the signaling pathways that may be involved. METHODS: HCECs were cultured RESULTS: Treatment with SCF-II decreased HCEC viability in a dose-dependent manner. A concentration below 10 µmol/L did not present obvious cell toxicity, and survival rates were more than 70% at 48h. Treatment with SCF-II (5 and 10 µmol/L) significantly impeded migration in wound healing and Transwell migration assays ( CONCLUSION: SCF-II inhibit TGF-β-induced EMT in HCECs by potentially regulating the NF-κB signalling pathway. Thus, SCF-II represents a candidate putative therapeutic agent in corneal fibrotic diseases.