The cellular response to hypoxia is controlled to a large degree by the transcription factor Hypoxia-inducible factor-1(HIF-1). HIF-1 is a transcription factor that is activated by hypoxia and plays a critical role in the development of the cancer phenotype. HIF-1 regulates transcription of a number of genes crucial for tumor survival under hypoxic conditions, including vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), erythropoietin(Epo) and several glycolytic enzymes. Tumors in which hypoxia can not induce HIF-1 transcriptional activity remain small and fail to metastasize. In this study, we examined whether aqueous root extract of Ailanthus altissima (REA) downregulate HIF-1, VEGF and p53, and raise the possibility that depletion of these proteins and the anti proliferative activities of REA have any effects on inhibition of angiogenesis in MCF-7 cells. Pharmacologic targeting of specific signal transduction pathways related to oncogenic transformation is a promising approach in cancer treatment. Therefore, REA could be a candidate drug for further clinical development.