Objective: To investigate the effect of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens on neuron apoptosis in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury of rats. Method: Male SD rats were randomly allocated into six groups: sham-operation group

model contral group

nimodipine group

aqueous extract of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens groups with high

medium or low dose groups. The model of focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (MCAO) in rat was produced by Zea Longas thread method. The brains were taken out on the ice for paraffin processing at 24 hours after ischemia-reperfusion. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl Transferase Biotin-dUTP Nick End Labeling (TUNEL staining) was used to assay neuron apoptosis in cerebral cortex and hippocampus. The protein expressions of caspase-3(cysteine-containing aspartate-specific protease)

Bcl-2(B cell lymphoma/leukemia-2) and Bax(Bcl-2 accociated X protein) in hippocampus were detected by immunohistochemistry method. Result: Compared with sham operation group

TUNEL staining positive cells and caspase-3

Bcl-2 and Bax immunoreative neurons in cortex and hippocampal tissue increased significantly

the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax decreased in MCAO rat model control group. Aqueous extract of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens decreased TUNEL positive cells and caspase-3

Bcl-2 and Bax immunoreative neurons in hippocampal tissue significantly and increased the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax markedly

compared with MCAO rat model control group. Conclusion: Aqueous extract of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens has protective effects on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. Apoptosis signal relative proteins may be involved in the protection.