Aim To investigate the effects of resveratrol (Res) on SRIT1 and NADPH oxidase-p47 protein (NOX-p47) expressions, and mechanisms of Res inhibiting rat thoracic aorta smooth muscle cells proliferation induced by high glucose. Methods Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) lines A7r5 were used. VSMC proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay and cell counting. The cell cycle was examined by flow cytometry. The SRIT1 and NOX-p47 protein expressions were also evaluated by Western blot. Results High glucose increased cell proliferation in rat VSMC, induced cell transition from the G0/G1 phase to the S phase, increased NOX-p47 protein expression and decreased SRIT1 expression. Res (5,0, 100 μmol/L) significantly inhibited transition of cultured VSMC from G0/G1 phase to the S phases in a concentration-dependent manner, up-regulated SIRT1 expression and decreased expression of NOX-p47 protein induced by high glucose. Conclusion Under high glucose concentrations, Res significantly inhibited VSMC proliferation by arresting cell cycle by down-regulating the protein expression of NOX-p47 and up-regulating the SIRT1 protein expression, suggesting its protective role against type 2 diabetic macrovascular disease.