Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of Shouwu Yizhi Capsule （Capsule of Radix Polygoni Multiflori and Semen Coicis for dementia） on the Notch/Delta signal pathway in experimental rats with vascular dementia （VD）. Methods The models were established with the modified Pulsinelli 4 vessel occlusion method. They were randomized into Shouwu Yizhi Capsule group

piracetam group

model group

and sham operation group with 14 rats in each group. Seven days after modeling

the Shouwu Yizhi Capsule group was administered intragastrically Shouwu Yizhi Capsule solution 0.08g/ml

the piracetam group was prescribed intragastrically piracetam solution 0.02g/ml

and the model and sham operation groups were given intragastrically normal saline. Twenty days later

the mRNA expression of HES1

Mash1

and β-APP on Notch/Delta singal pathway was determined by real-time quantitative fluorescent PCR. Results Compared with the model and piracetam groups

the mRNA expression of HES1 the in Shouwu Yizhi Capsule group was significantly increased （P<0.01）

while the decrease of mRNA expression of Mash1 and β-APP was not significant （P>0.05）. Conclusion Shouwu Yizhi Capsule could effectively activate the interaction of HES1

Mash1

and β-APP on the Notch/Delta signal pathway

being the possible mechanism in the treatment of VD.