Objective To study the effects of xi-xian-tong-shuan capsules on chronic cerebral hypoperfusion rats. Methods A rat model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion was established by ligating bilateral common carotid arteries, and then xi-xian-tong-shuan capsules were given daily for 42 days. Water maze test was used to evaluate the learning and cognitive functions of these rats. Neurons in the hippocampus were observed by Nissl’ s staining and blood brain barrier (BBB) function was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining. BBB-related proteins in plasma and brain tissues were detected by ELISA and Western blot, respectively. Results Xi-xian-tong-shuan capsules ameliorated the declines of learning and cognitive functions in rats after chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, reduced the number of Nissl bodies and amount of IgG leakage in the hippocampus, and enhanced the expression of BBB-related proteins, when compared with those in the model group. Conclusions Xi-xian-tong-shuan capsules improved learning and cognitive functions after chronic cerebral ischemia by alleviating the damage to the BBB.