Aim To investigate the effects of Shuxin capsule on apoptosis induced by hypoxia and apoptosis-related genes expression in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Methods HUVECs were cultured and hypoxic models were established. The presence of apoptosis was detected by electron microscope and flow cytometry assessment of Annexin v/PI stain. The protein levels of Fas, bcl-2 and p53 were examined by flow cytometry. Results After cultured 12 h in hypoxic condition, apoptosis of HUVECs was identified with electron microscope and showed by flow cytometry. Apoptosis rate in hypoxia group (13.03%±0.96%) was significantly higher than that in control group (4.47%±0.64%) (p<0.01), and after treated with 5 g/L Shuxin capsule liquid for 12 h in hypoxic condition, apoptosis rate decreased clearly (5.03%±0.54%) (p<0.01). Furthermore, it was revealed by flow cytometry that the apoptpsis process was associated with upregulation of p53 expression and downregulation of bcl-2 expression,but not with the marked change of Fas expression. Shuxin capsule could make expression of p53 down-regulated and expression of bcl-2 upregulated. Conclusion Shuxin capsule can inhibit the apoptosis of HUVECs induced by hypoxia,which is associated with its effects on expression of bcl-2 and p53.