Abstract: Objective To observe the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Bu-shen-he-mai-fang (HMF) on experi⁃ mental atherosclerosis (AS) in apolipoprotein-E knockout（ApoE-/-）mice. Methods Twenty-four male ApoE-/- mice were randomly divided into three groups including high-fat group (0.25% cholesterol and 15% cocoa butter), HMF group [(highfat diet + HMF decoction 1.37 g/(kg·d)] and atrovastatin group [(high-fat diet + atrovastatin 5 mg/(kg·d)], 8 mice for each group. The serum level of lipid was evaluated by a kit. The extent of AS was evaluated by HE staining. The macrophage infiltration and expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. Results The serum level of lipid was lower in HMF group and atrovastatin group than that in high-fat group (P＜0.05). The degree of AS was significantly lower in HMF group and atrovastatin group than that in high-fat group. The macrophage infiltration, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-8 expressions were significantly lower in HMF group and atrovastatin group than those in high-fat group (P＜0.05). Conclusion The results suggest that HMF significantly inhibits early atherosclerotic lesions by lowering serum lipid level and inhibiting inflammatory response.

Key words: atherosclerosis, inflammation, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin- 1beta, interleukin-8, Bu-shenhe-mai-fang