Objective: To investigate the antiatherosclerotic efficacy by ligustrazine (LIG). Method: Twenty-four rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: normal control group

model control group

LIG (75 mg·kg-1) group and LIG (150 mg·kg-1) group. In in vivo experiments

rabbits fed by high cholesterol diet have been used to evaluate the antiatherosclerotic efficacy of LIG (75

150 mg·kg-1) including plaque surface area in aorta

intima/media (I/M) ratios

foam cell amounts

serum lipid level of tolal cholesterol(TC)

triglyceride(TG)

low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C) after twelve weeks. Result: Comparied with model control group

LIG could reduce the plaque surface area in aorta at the dose of 75

150 mg·kg-1 (420.4±46.2) mm2 and (310.2±12.3) mm2 vs (663.2±38.9) mm2

P<0.01). I/M ratios and foam cell amounts were also decreased (P<0.01). Serum lipid level of TC

TG and LDL-C was depressed; however serum level of HDL-C had no changes. Conclusion: Antiatherosclerotic effects by LIG lie at endothelial cells.