OBJECTIVETo explore the therapeutic effects of Rongban Tongmai granules (RBTM) on the atherosclerosis (AS) in quails.

METHODQuails were divided into normal control group and high-fat diet group. Twelve weeks after feeding, 3 quails from normal control group and 8 quails from high-fat diet group were anatomized and confirmed by pathological examination that AS has formed, then the high-fat diet group was randomly divided into 5 subgroups: Model, shujiangzhi 0.004 g x kg(-1) and RBTM (3, 6,12 g x kg(-1)). High fat fodder was stoped. Meanwhile, normal fodder was fed and drugs were administrated by gavage. The levels of the TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C in serum were determined at the time points below: Pre-experiment, per-drug administration, 4 weeks after drug administration, 8 weeks after drug administration, 12 weeks after drug administration. After experiment, pathological examination was performed on aorta, bilateral brachiocephalic artery and heart. Meanwhile, the levels of TC, TG and MDA as well as the activity of SOD in liver tissue were determined.

RESULTThe levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, VLDL-C and TC/HDL-C ratio in serum of AS quails were significantly decreased, the levels of TG and MDA in liver were decreased, the thickness and area of the plaque were significantly decreased.

CONCLUSIONRBTM might have effects of modulating blood lipid and improving lipid peroxidation, and also contribute to inhibit the development of AS and accelerate AS regression.