Objective To research the neuroprotective mechanism of Buyang Huanwu Decoction（Yang-Supplementing FiveReturning Decoction）combined with mesenchymal stem cells（MSCs）transplantation for cerebral ischemic injury.Methods Forty-eight SD rats were randomized into the sham operation group

model group

transplantation group and combination group

with 12in each.The focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion models were established with Zea Longa’s suture-occluded method.The transplantation group and combination group were injected with 2×106 MSCs suspension.The combination group was gavaged with 10ml/kg Buyang Huanwu Decoction 3days before the operation.The sham operation group

model group and transplantation group were gavaged with equal volume of normal saline once daily for 10consecutive days.The expression of neuron-specific enolase（NSE）and glial fibrillary acidic protein（GFAP）in brain tissue was detected with immunohistochemical method.Results The expression of NSE and GFAP positive cells could be seen in both transplantation group and combination group.NSE was mainly expressed in neuronal cell bodies and GFAP was mainly expressed in the cell axons.Comparing with the transplantation group

the positive cell rates of NSE and GFAP were significantly increased in the combination group（P<0.05）.There was no expression of NSE and GFSE positive cells in the model group and sham operation group.Conclusion Buyang Huanwu Decoction can promote the differentiation of transplanted MSCs into neuron-like cells and relieve cerebral ischemic injury

which may be relevant to increasing the expression of NSE and GFAP.