Objective: To study the effects of Shenxiong Huayu Capsule on the apoptosis and the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax protein in CA1 Area of hippocampus in vascular dementia rats. Method: The vascular dementia model of rat was established by repeated close and open of the common carotid arteries at both sides and intraperitoneal injection of sodium nitroprusside (SNP). The learning and memory abilities of rats were detected by Morris water maze. The cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining and the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax protein were detected by immunohistochemical SABC staining. Result: ① The number of cell apoptosis in the CA1 area of hippocampus was increased in the VD model group compared with that in the sham-operation group and blank control group (P<0.01). The number of cell apoptosis in the CA1 area of hippocampus was decreased in Shenxiong Huayu Capsule intervention group than in the VD model group (P<0.01). ②The expression of Bcl-2

Bax in the CA1 area of hippocampus was increased in the VD model group compared with that in the sham-operation group and blank control group (all P<0.01)

Bcl-2/Bax was decreased (P<0.01). The expression of Bcl-2 in the CA1 area of hippocampus was increased in Shenxiong Huayu Capsule intervention group compared with that in the VD model group (P<0.01)

Bax was decreased(P<0.01) and Bcl-2/Bax was increased (P<0.01). Conclusion: Shenxiong Huayu Capsule can inhibit apoptosis by up-regulation of expression of Bcl-2 protein and down-regulation of Bax protein in CA1 area of hippocampus in vascular dementia rats and improve the learning and memory abilities of for the vascular dementia rats.