In recent years, many attempts have been made to document research data from extracts of composite formulas, single herbs, or single compounds from traditional Eastern medicine (TEM) herbs, according to orthodox pharmacological actions. Basic and clinical research in TEM constitutes an abundant source of new drug discovery and development with the integration of TEM and Western pharmacology. This article reviews herbs that have been documented to have a neuroprotective effect in in vitro and in vivo ischemic model systems and the neuroprotective compounds isolated from them. The neuroprotective mechanisms of herbs and single compounds relevant to the treatment of brain ischemia, including antioxidant, antiexcitotoxic, and anti-inflammatory effects were also discussed.