Aim To investigate the effects of ferulic acid (FA) on the expression of adhesion molecules on activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of its anti-atherosclerosis effect. Methods Cultured HUVEC were treated with FA (0.21, 0.41 and 0.62 mmol/L respectively) and stimulated with 10 mg/L li-popolysaccharide (LPS) 30 min later. Expression of E-selectin was detected by flow cytometry (FCM) after 4 h. Expression of E-selectin mRNA was measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Cultured HUVEC were treated with FA (0.21, 0.41 and 0.62 mmol/L respectively) and stimulated with H₂O₂ (300 μmol/L) 30 min later. After 2 h, expression of P-selectin on HUVEC surface was detected by FCM. Results FA could inhibit E-selectin and P-selectin expression on activated HUVEC. It could also suppress the expression of E-selectin mRNA in activated HUVEC. Conclusions The inhibitive effects of ferulic acid on the expression of adhesion molecules on activated HUVEC may probably contribute to its anti-atherosclerosis effects.