TCA dose-dependently increased the pro-survival NR2A and Bcl-2 protein expression level and decreased the pro-apoptotic NR2B and cytochrome <i>c</i>, caspase 9, and caspase 3 expression (***P < 0.001).<h4>Conclusion</h4>The above data revealed that GFW, its' constituent herbs, and active compounds protected against I/R-induced brain injury in rodents. The gene discussed is CASP9; the disease is injury.