OBJECTIVE: To study the protective effects of Baimai ointment on sciatic nerve injury in rabbit. METHODS: The rabbit sciatic nerve injury model was induced by forceps operation. 180 rabbits were randomly divided into 6 groups, with 30 rabbits in each group (10 rabbits of 7, 14, 28 d), including sham operation group (blank matrix of Baimai ointment for external use), model group (same as sham operation group), positive group [ig Mecobalamine tablet solution 1.25×10-4 g/(kg·d)] and Baimai low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups [Baimai ointment 0.33, 0.67 and 1.34 g/(kg·d) for external use], once a day, for consecutive 7, 14 and 28 d. Gait instrument was used to test the foot-touch-land force of rabbit; pathology examination was conducted for sciatic nerve resection; immunohistochemistry was used to detect the levels of NOS and NMDA in nerve tissue. RESULTS: Baimai ointment can significantly relieve sciatic nerve injury, edema and inflammatory reaction; 7, 14 and 28 d after medication, compared with model group, foot-touch-land force decreased significantly in rabbits with sciatic nerve injury (P<0.01); 14, 28 d after medication, foot-touch-land force of rabbits increased significantly in positive group, Baimai ointment groups, while the levels of NOS and NMDA decreased in nervous tissue (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Baimai ointment can protect sciatic nerve with function injury in rabbits.