Evodiamine (EVO) is a plant-derived indolequinazoline alkaloid with potential anticancer activity. However, low bioavailability caused by its poor water solubility limits it anticancer efficacy in clinic. To enhance the solubility and improve the bioavailability of EVO, a delivery system based on poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles loaded with EVO (EVO-PLGA NPs) for treating breast cancer was prepared in this study. The physicochemical characterization and in vitro antitumor evaluation of EVO-PLGA NPs were determined. EVO-PLGA NPs could persistently control the release of EVO for 180 h. 3-[4,5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assessment and colony formation assay showed that EVO-PLGA NPs could enhance the toxicity and the proliferation inhibition effect of EVO on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. EVO-PLGA NPs did not strengthen G2/M arrest effect of EVO-treated cells after 24h incubation. Meanwhile, EVO-PLGA NPs could increase the expression of cyclin B1 and decrease the expression of β-actin. Taken together, these results suggested that-PLGA NPs is promising for improving anticancer efficacy of EVO in breast cancer therapy. © 2014 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.