Objective To investigate the effect of garlicin on Simian rotavirus A (SA11) in vitro. Methods Various concentrations of garlicin were used to inhibit SA11 replication so as to find out the best concentration for the inhibition. Results The maximal nontoxic concentration of garlicin for MA104 cells was 100 mg/ml. Tissue culture revealed that 50 mg/ml garlicin could inhibit the cytopathic effect of MA104 cells infected by SA11. Conclusions Garlicin could produce obvious inhibitory effects on Simian rotavirus A in vitro.