Tanshinone II-A attenuates and stabilizes atherosclerotic plaques in Apolipoprotein-E knockout mice fed a high cholesterol diet

► Significant attenuation of plaque size in ApoE−/− mice independent of serum lipid levels. ► Enhanced plaque-stabilizing property by modulating plaque composition. ► Decreased the production of reactive oxygen species in the vessel wall. ► Decreased lesional expression of NF-κB, MMP-9, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (MCP-1, IL-6 and TNF-α).