Aim To study the effect of extracts of ginkgo biloba leaves(GbE) on apoptosis in neuronal cells. Methods Primary cerebral cultures from rat fetus were used to observe the activity of neuronal cells and to determine the release of LDH and DNA gel electrophoresis.Results GbE enhanced the activity of neuronal cells, decresed the release of LDH,and relieved the structural changes of nucleus and DNA fragmentation. Conclusion GbE can inhibit apoptosis in neuronal cells.