Objective To examine the impact of Tribulus Terrestrisl on thoracic aorta vascular remodeling of spontaneous hypertension rats（ SHR） and the possible mechanism. Methods Thirty SHR were randomized into Tribulus Terrestrisl group

valsartan group and model group

10 rats in each group. Ten Wistar Kyoto（ WKY） rats were the normal group. The Tribulus Terrestrisl group was given Tribulus Terrestrisl concentrated solution 17. 2 mg /（ kg·d）. The valsartan group was given valsartan capsule 13. 35 mg /（ kg·d）. The model group and the normal group were given equivalent normal saline. All groups were given drugs by intragastric administration

6 days every week

once every day

for 8 weeks. After the experiment was finished

blood pressure situation including systolic pressure

diastolic pressure

mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure in all groups was compared. The shape changes of thoracic aorta were examined. The content of hydroxyproline in thoracic aorta was detected

so were the protein expressions of angiotensinⅡtype 1 receptor（ AT1） and transforming growth factorβ（ TGF-β）

as well as the mRNA expressions of important molecules（ including NF-κB p65

IKKα

IKKβ and IKBα） of nuclear factorκB（ NF-κB）pathway. Results Compared with the normal group

systolic pressure

diastolic pressure

mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure in the model group increased（ P < 0. 05）. Compared with the model group

systolic pressure

diastolic pressure and mean arterial pressure in the Tribulus Terrestrisl group and the valsartan group decreased; pulse pressure in the Tribulus Terrestrisl group decreased（ P < 0. 05）. Compared with the model group

rats’ vascular shape

vessels inter wall and endothelial cells in the Tribulus Terrestrisl group and the valsartan group were relieved and improved by different levels; collagen fiber accumulation reduced. Compared with the model group

the content of hydroxyproline in the Tribulus Terrestrisl group and the valsartan group decreased; AT1 and TGF-βproteins reduced. The mRNA expressions of NF-κB p65

IKKβ and IKBαdown-regulated

while the mRNA expression of IKKαup-regulated（ P < 0. 05）. The difference of the Tribulus Terrestrisl group and the valsartan group was not significant（ P > 0. 05）. Conclusion Tribulus Terrestrisl might decrease the blood pressure of elderly SHR and inhibit aorta vascular remodeling. The mechanism might relate to reducing the content of collagen in thoracic aorta and regulating NF-κB signal pathway.