Objective To research the effects and mechanisms of Shenluotong（ 肾络通） on oxidative stress and apoptosis in rats with obstructive nephropathy. Methods Totally 48 female Wistar rats were randomized into the sham operation group

model group

Tempol group and Shenluotong（ 肾络通） group

with 12 in each. The rat models were established by ligation of the left ureter in all groups except the sham operation group. The rats in the Tempol group and Shenluotong（ 肾络通） group were fed with 30 mg /（ kg·d） Tempol and 26 g /（ kg·d） Shenluotong（肾 络通） respectively for 10 days. The morphological changes of obstructed kidneys were observed by HE staining and Masson staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ ELISA） was used to detect serum and urine 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine（8-OHdG）. The content of malondialdehyde（ MDA） was detected by colorimetric assay. The apoptosis was observed by TUNEL assay and light microscope. The protein expressions of Caspase 9 and Caspase 12 were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Results Comparing with the sham operation group

a large number of inflammatory cells were infiltrated and collagen deposition was increased in renal interstitium

the contents of 8-OHdG and MDA were significantly increased（ P < 0. 01 or P < 0. 05）

positive apoptotic cells were significantly increased（ P < 0. 01） and the protein expressions of Caspase 9 and Caspase 12 were significantly increased in the model group（ P < 0. 01）. Comparing with the model group

the infiltration of inflammatory cells and collagen deposition was decreased

the contents of 8-OHdG and MDA were significantly decreased（ P < 0. 01 or P < 0. 05）

positive apoptotic cells were significantly decreased（ P < 0. 01 or P < 0. 05） and the protein expressions of Caspase 9 and Caspase 12 were significantly decreased in the Tempol group and Shenluotong（ 肾络通） group（ P < 0. 01）. Conclusion Shenluotong（ 肾络通） can reduce the oxidative damage caused by obstruction

improve antioxidant capacity

decrease lipid peroxidation and inhibit apoptosis

the machanism might be related to decrease of Caspase 9 and Caspase 12.