In vivo study of neuroprotective effects of D-panthenol has been performed on a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Administration of panthenol (i.p., 200 mg/kg 24 h, 0.5 h before and 0.5 h, 24 h, 48 h after MCAO) significantly ameliorated neurological deficit 1-5 days after MCAO, reduced body weight loss and cortical damage induced by 30 min MCAO. The results are the first in vivo evidence for neuroprotective properties of D-panthenol and suggest that it has a good potential for treatment of neurological diseases.