Some embodiments of the present invention provide pharmaceutical formulations, for treating atherosclerosis in a mammal, including a bile acid and/or a terpene atherosclerotic plaque emulsifier. Some embodiments provide methods for administering such pharmaceutical formulations. In some embodiments, pharmaceutical formulations include a combination of a bile acid and a terpene in amounts effective to result in plaque regression, and the amount of each individual emulsifier in the combination can be lower than an amount that is effective to result in plaque regression when the emulsifier is administered alone. In some embodiments, a statin can be administered simultaneously or sequentially with the pharmaceutical formulation.
