Objective To study the effects of morroniside on the expression of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) of the ischemic ipsilateral cortex 7 days after ischemia reperfusion. Methods 25 male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model with modified Zea Longa's method, and then divided them into sham group (n=5), ischmia group (n=5), and morroniside groups (low, medium, and high dosage groups, n=5) randomly. Morroniside were then administered intragastrically once a day at dose of 30 mg/kg, 90 mg/kg and 270 mg/kg 3 hours after operation. The expression of TIMP of the ischemic ipsilateral cortex on 7 days after ischemia-reperfusion were detected by western blotting and immunofluorescent staining analysis. Results Compared with the sham group, the expression of TIMP in ischemia group increased (P < 0.05) 7 days after MCAO. Compared with the ischemia group, after treatment with morroniside at doses of 90 mg/kg and 270 mg/kg, the expression of TIMP increased significantly (P < 0.05; P < 0.01). Conclusions Morroniside could increase the expression of TIMP in the ischemic ipsilateral cortex and may contribute to blood-brain barrier protection and restoration.