The present invention relates to a method for treating a cardiovascular disease, such as hyperlipidemia or atherosclerosis, with a pharmaceutically effective amount of an extract of Torreya nucifera or abietane diterpenoid compound or terpenoid compound isolated from the same as an effective ingredient. Torreya nucifera extracts, abietane diterpenoid compound, or terpenoid compound isolated from the extracts were prepared by extracting Torreya nucifera leaves, stems, or seeds with water, alcohol, or mixed solution of water and alcohol, which is further fractionized with n-hexane, chloroform and etheyl acetate in that order. Further, the present invention provides a method for inhibiting an oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and inhibiting Acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) using an extract of Torreya nucifera or abietane diterpenoid compound or terpenoid compound isolated from the same as an effective ingredient.