Objective To investigate the influences and possible mechanism of Bushen Huayu Fang on the stability of artherosclerosis plaque（ASP） in the artery of brachiocephalic trunk and apoptosis in plaque in mice with gene defect of apolipoprotein E（ApoE-/-）.Methods Male mice of ApoE-/-（8 weeks old

n=24） were fed with Western style diet（high-fat diet） for 20 weeks until the vulnerable ASP generated in the artery of brachiocephalic trunk.All mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: Bushen Huayu Fang group（Bushen group）

simvastatin group and model group.After continuous administration of medicinal for 12 weeks

the mice were sacrificed and the artery of brachiocephalic trunk was treated with paraffin sections and HE staining continuously for observing the histomorphological changes of ASP.The apoptosis in artherosclerosis plaque was detected by using TUNEL assay.Results After the intervention of Bushen Huayu Fang the corrected lipid core area（LCA/PA） of ASP was reduced

fibrous cap was thickened

and ASP trended to stable.In the Bushen group

the apoptosis index of ASP decreased significantly（P<0.05）

the expression of Bcl-2 protein increased and expression of Bax protein decreased significantly（P<0.01）.Conclusion Bushen Huayu Fang can reduce the lipid core area

thicken fibrous cap

inhibit apoptosis in the plaque and improve ASP stability in varying degrees.