Platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) and its downstream effector, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) MAP kinase, initiate a multitude of biological effects, including vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration, which are critical events in the initiation and development of restenosis following percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Styryl lactones are natural products that have been demonstrated to possess anti-proliferative activities. Goniolactone C is a styryl lactone derivative that was first extracted from Goniothalamus cheliensis Hu. In the present study, we investigated the effects of goniolactone C on VSMC migration and proliferation. We found that goniolactone C preferentially interacted with cellular systems that rely on PDGF signaling but not those that rely on epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) signaling. Goniolactone C strongly inhibited PDGF-BB-induced VSMC migration and proliferation. goniolactone C-mediated inhibition of VSMC proliferation was associated with cell cycle arrest, while goniolactone C-mediated inhibition of VSMC migration was associated with the suppression of adhesion molecule expression. In addition, goniolactone C directly inhibited PDGFR-β kinase activity, thereby blocking the downstream effector of PDGF-BB. Thus, the results of the present study suggest a novel adjunctive pharmacological strategy that may be used to prevent angioplasty-related restenosis.