Aim To study the therapeutic action of extract of maritine shellfish (EMS) on experimental atherosclerosis in quails. Methods The experimental atherosclerosis model in quails was induced exogenously by hyperlipidic feed for 8 weeks. Then EMS was orally given. The influence of EMS on lipid level in serum was detected with enzyme at the second and fourth weekend after administration. The effects of EMS on the atherogenic plaque in artery and fatty liver were observed by histopathological methods. Results At the second weekend after administration EMS 5, 10 and 20 g/kg significantly reduced the level of triglyceride (TG) in serum (p<0.05, p<0.01). EMS 20 g/kg evidently lowered the serum total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC). The high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) concentration was raised (p<0.05). In therapeutic oral administration for 4 weeks EMS 5, 10 and 20 g/(kg·d) markedly reduced the volume of TG, TC, LDLC in serum. At the same time, TC and TG in the myocardial and aortic wall were reduced (p<0.05, p<0.01). The serum HDLC was increased (p<0.05, p<0.01). Compared with model group, the degree of atherosclerotic lesion in aorta and coronary artery and fatty degeneration of liver in EMS group was reduced (p<0.05). Conclusion EMS shows action of the regression for atheroscleritic lesion and the regulation of hyperlipidemia in therapeutic administration.