Abstract: Objective: To observe the neuroprotective effect of Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction on rats with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and to discuss its mechanism. Methods:A total of 60 SD rats were randomly divided into the sham-operation group, the model group, the low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose of Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction group (3,6 and 12 g/kg),with 12 rats in each group. The SAH rat models were established by modified secondary blood injection into occipital cistern. After successful modeling, rats in the low- dose, medium- dose and high- dose of Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction groups were treated with Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction solution of corresponding dose respectively,and rats in the sham-operation group and the model group were treated with 0.9% sodium chloride solution of the same amount by gavage for consecutive day. The Bederson neurological function scores of rats in each group were evaluated on the first,third,fifth and seventh day of treatment;six rats in each group were taken in batches on the third and seventh day of treatment, and levels of tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF- α) and interleukin- 1β (IL- 1β) in the hippocampus of rats in each group were detected by enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay;the protein expressions of quinone oxidoreductase (NQO- 1) and nuclear factor erythroid 2- related factor 2 (Nrf2) were determined by immunohistochemistry. Results: Compared with those in the sham- operation group, the Bederson neurological function scores in the model group were higher on the first,third,fifth and seventh day of treatment (P<0.05);the Bederson neurological function scores of rats in the Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction group of of medium-dose and high-dose were decreased when compared with those in the model group on the fifth and seventh day of treatment (P<0.05). Compared with those in the sham-operation group,the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the hippocampus of rats in the model group were significantly increased on the third and seventh day of treatment (P<0.01), the protein expressions of NQO-1 and Nrf2 in the hippocampal dentate gyrus were significantly decreased (P<0.01);compared with those in the model group,the levels of TNF- α and IL-1β in the hippocampus of rats in the low- dose, medium- dose and high- dose of Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction group were decreased on the third and seventh day after treatment (P<0.01),and the protein expressions of NQO-1 and Nrf2 in the hippocampal dentate gyrus in the low- dose, medium- dose and high- dose of Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction group were increased (P<0.05). Conclusion:Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction can improve the neurological function of SAH rats by resisting oxidative stress and reducing the inflammatory reactions. Its mechanism is related to regulating the protein levels of NQO- 1 and Nrf2 downstream of the Nrf2 to antioxidant responsive element (Nrf2-ARE) signal pathway.