Abstract: A Maclura pubescens extract or fraction or a Prunus cerasoides extract or fraction having neuroglobin (Ngb) activation and neuroprotective effects and, on the basis thereof, a neuroprotective composition containing, as an active ingredient, a Maclura pubescens extract or fraction or a Prunus cerasoides extract or fraction. The neuroprotective composition can be used, through the activation of neuroglobin (Ngb), as a pharmaceutical composition or a food composition for treatment, alleviation and prevention of a stroke, a cerebral infarction, thrombosis, cerebral degenerative disease, vascular dementia, memory loss, short-term memory impairment, a concentration disorder, anxiety, nervousness and the like, and for brain damage protection, brain function improvement and cranial nerve cell protection.