OBJECTIVE：To study the protective effects of gypenosides(Gyp) on brain ischemia.METHOD:The middle cerebral arteries occlusion(MCAO) induced by photochemical reaction in rats were used.The changes of the contents of Na+、Ca2+、H2O and TBARS，SOD activity and the infarct areas were monitored.RESULTS:Gyp reduced the infarct areas induced by photochemical reaction and decreased the contents of Na+、Ca2+、H2O and TBARS significantly,but the content of K+ and SOD activity were increased.CONCLUSION:Gyp inhibited MCAO-induced brain ischemia and brain edema.