Objective To investigate the effects of Fu-Yuan-Zai-Zao capsule, a novel compound drug of traditional Chinese medicine, on learning and memory ability and its mechanism related to oxidative stress induced by global brain ischemia. Methods The mouse model of global brain ischemia was established by bilateral common carotid arteries occlusion and reperfusion. The learning and memory ability was measured by Morris water maze and step down tests. Nissl staining was used to detect the pathological changes in the hippocampal neurons. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated by xanthinoxidase assay and thiobarbituric acid method, respectively. Results The global brain ischemia and reperfusion induced an impairment of learning and memory function, a decrease in the number of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region, a decline in SOD activity and an increase in MDA content in the cerebral cortex of mice. Intragastrical administration of Fu-Yuan-Zai-Zao capsule for 14 d after brain ischemic surgery significantly improved the learning and memory impairment, increased the number of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region, elevated SOD activity and reduced MDA content in the cerebral cortex. Conclusions Fu-Yuan-Zai-Zao capsule ameliorates the learning and memory impairment through inhibiting oxidative stress induced by global brain ischemia in mice. The results suggest that Fu-Yuan-Zai-Zao capsule may have future application in the treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular diseases.