The oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein(LDL) has been implicated in the development of atherosclerosis. Oxidized LDL(oxLDL) is captured into macrophage and stimulates to form macrophage foam cell. And it can induce an inflammation and smooth muscle proliferation in atherosclerotic plaque. Objective : In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of Bupleuri radix(SH) on the foam cell formation, a critical initiation stage of atherosclerosis. Methods : To achieve the goal, we examined the effect of SH on LDL oxidation, nitric oxide production in RAW264.7, and the effect of SH on cupuric sulfate-induced cytotoxicity, LDH release, and macrophage activity. Results : SH inhibited the formation of oxidized LDL from native LDL in RAW264.7 cell culture, and decreased the release of LDH from cupric sulfate-stimulated RAW264.7 cell. In other experiments, SH activated RAW264.7 cell, and prolonged the survival time, and inhibited foam cell formation induced by oxLDL in Raw 264.7 cells. Conclusion : These results showed that SH might prevent atherosclerosis by controlling the early stages of foam cell formation.