Preeclampsia is a complication affecting pregnant women worldwide, which leads to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of ferulic acid (FA) on an Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L‐NAME) induced rat model of preeclampsia. L‐NAME was administered to pregnant rats to induce preeclampsia. 48 rats were divided into three experimental groups (n=16 each): control group, preeclampsia group and preeclampsia with FA treatment (preeclampsia+FA). Physiological characteristics such as urine volume, total urine protein and blood pressure were assessed. Expressions levels of urinary nephrin and podocin mRNAs were analyzed by RT‐PCR. Levels of renal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), renal soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1) and serum placenta growth factor (PlGF) were also examined. Urine volume, total urine protein and blood pressure were markedly increased in preeclampsia group rats compared to control (P<.05), which were then significantly reduced in preeclampsia+FA group (P<.05). Expressions of urinary nephrin and podocin mRNAs, levels of VEGF, sFlt‐1 and PlGF were also reversed in preeclampsia+FA group compared to preeclampsia rats (P<.05). We hereby report for the first time, FA alleviates preeclampsia symptoms in a rat preeclampsia model, supporting its potential value in treating preeclampsia.