Gangliosides are sialic acid-containing glycosphingolipids and abundant in the brain. Some studies showed that glycosphingolipids not only could improve the differentiation of neurons, neurite outgrowth and synaptogenesis, but also could modulate neuronal plasticity and improve neurological function after cerebral damage. GM1 was so far most widely studied glycosphingolipids. It is believed that the regulatory functions for calcium homeostasis and the interaction between GM1 and neurotrophins are essential in the mechanisms underlying its neuroprotection. In addition, GM1 has also anti-excitotoxicity, anti-oxidation and vasodilation properties. Various forms of chronic neurodegenerative diseases and hypoxia/ischemic encephalopathy are characterized by progressive loss and apoptosis of neurons, the neuroprotective and neruotrophic effects of GM1 could play pivotal role in the treatment of these diseases. Nowadays, GM1 was widely used for the treatment of Parldnson＇s disease, stroke, hypoxiaischemic encephalopathy, craniocerebral trauma, spinal cord injury and peripheral neuropathy. Further researches for the mechanisms of GM1 will provide new strategies for the treatment of central nervous system diseases.