The current data demonstrate that (a) JNK‐IN‐8 inhibits the activation of JNK‐NK‐κB pathway, (b) JNK‐IN‐8 inhibits microglia activation in vivo after ischemic stroke, (c) JNK‐IN‐8 inhibits microglia activation and proinflammatory cytokines production in vitro, (d) JNK‐IN‐8 improves functional recovery after stroke. This evidence concerns the gene MAPK8 and ischemic stroke.