Objective To explore the therapeutic action and possible mechanism of the Chinese medicine Qingnaofang (QNF) on brain injury in ischemic vertigo rats.Methods 228 Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. The rat models of ischemic vertigo were induced by ligation of the right common carotid artery and subclavian artery. The rats were randomly divided into model group, QNF 1.04, 0.52, 0.26 g/kg groups, Ginkgo biloba leaves extract tablet 0.00576 g/kg group and sham group. Escape latency of the rats was recorded to measure the degree of vertigo, and the content or activity of Lac, LDH, SOD, MDA, NO and NOS in the ischemia side brain tissues was determined to evaluate the protective effect of QNF. Results 1. The latency of rats was remarkably decreased after treated with QNF 1.04, 0.52, and 0.26 g/kg, when compared with the model rats (53.6% P<0.01, 33.8% P<0.05 and 56.5% P<0.01, respectively). 2. The Lac content and LDH activity were significantly reduced in the brain tissue of cerebral ischemia rats treated by QNF 1.04, 0.52, and 0.26 g/kg for seven days, compared with that of the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01), as well as TNOS and iNOS activity (P<0.01). QNF 0.52 g/kg remarkably decreased SOD activity in the brain tissue of 7-day cerebral ischemia rats (P<0.01). QNF 0.52 and 0.26 g/kg significantly decreased MDA and NO content in the brain tissue of 7-day cerebral ischemia rats (P<0.01). Conclusions There is a protective effect of QNF on ischemic vertigo rats. This effect may be related with the improvement of energy metabolism and reduction of oxidative stress and inflammatory damages.