Objective:To review the protective effect of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)on brain cells.Methods:The domestic journals and literature are searched and reviewed,classifies them according to the mechanisms of TCM,summaries their protective effect on brain cells.Results:Some single medicine and prescriptions possess a variety of biological activity,and has a protective effect on brain cells.Conclusion:Some TCM possess a variety of biological activity and have a protective effect on brain cells,so there are broad prospects to develop and apply these TCM.