Scutellarin is the main bioactive component of Breviscapine prepared from the traditional Chinese herb Erilgeron breviscapus (Vant) Hand-Mazz. Scutellarin demonstrated protective effect on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular ischemia. The potential cytoprotective effects of the drug against cerebrovascular ischemia were evidenced by reducing cerebral infarct sizes, ameliorating neurological deficit and inhibiting neuronal apoptosis. Scutellarin is capable of inhibiting I(Na) in neurons through predominantly affecting the inactivated state of I(Na). Scutellarin may alleviate cognitive impairment in a mouse model of hypoxia by promoting proliferation and neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells. Scutellarin might play an therapeutic role by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis in Alzheimer's disease treatment.