OBJECTIVE\nTo investigate neuroprotective and antioxidant effect of Phoenix dactylifera (P. dactylifera) (PD) fruits. \n\nMETHODS\nMethanolic extract of P. dactylifera fruits (MEPD) at doses of 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg was studied against permanent BCCAO (long-term hypoperfusion) in rats. Chronic occlusion of bilateral common carotid arteries (BCCA) caused significant elevation in malondialdehyde levels due to increased lipid peroxidation as well as decrease in levels of other biochemical enzymes i.e. glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferse, catalase and superoxide dismutase. \n\nRESULTS\nPost occlusion treatment for 15 d with 100 and 300 mg/kg doses of MEPD significantly reduced the enhanced malondialdehyde levels and reversed the alterations in the declined levels of antioxidant enzymes in brain homogenates of hypoperfused rats. Long-term cerebral hypoperfusion in rats caused a propensity towards anxiety and restlessness (open field paradigm) accompanied by deficits of spatial learning and memory (Morris water maze testing). Additionally, histopathological observations in hypoperfused brains revealed reactive changes like shrinkage and necrosis of neurons. 100 and 300 mg/kg doses of MEPD significantly alleviated these alterations. \n\nCONCLUSIONS\nThese results confirmed the protective role of P. dactylifera in ischemia hypoperfusion and thereby it's beneficial role in cerebrovascular insufficiency states and related complications.