In the model of myocardial infarction produced by occlusion of left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) in rabbit, gypenosides (GP 100 but not 50 mg/kg, ip) reduced myocardial infarct size and decreased serum free fatty acid (FFA). In rat model of myocardial infarction, GP and the fractions of GP of non ginsenosides (FGNG) both in dose of 100 mg/kg, ip, protected significantly myocardial superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and decreased the myocardial malondialdehyde (MDA). The results indicate that the protective effect of GP on myocardial infarction may be correlated with its prevention of myocardial lipid peroxidation, and attributed to the amelioration of FFA metabolic deterioration.