【Abstract】 Background Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was known to be a toxic gas and an environmental hazard for many decades. However, it is now recognized that H2S may serve as a gaseous mediator, which is endogenously produced to influence biological functions in mammalian. Together with nitric oxide and carbon monoxide, they form gasotransmitter family. The past decade has seen an exponential growth of scientific interest in the physiological and pathological significance of H2S especially with respect to its role in the central nervous system (CNS) and the cardiovascular system. Objective This article presents an overview of current knowledge of H2S in cerebral protection and mechanisms. Content This review concisely outlines the H2S generation and regulation in the CNS, and the possible mechanisms of H2S in cerebral protection. Trend Through explaining the physiology and mechanisms of H2S in cerebral protection, it would be helpful to provide a new therapeutic target for neurological disorders.