Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo has been used for thousands of years to promote body fluid production; however, little is currently known regarding its effects on the heart. The present study aimed to explore the cardioprotective potential of the water extract of Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo (DOE) on myocardial ischemia in mice. A mouse model of myocardial ischemia was induced following ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Prior to the operation, mice were administered a vehicle or DOE for 2 weeks. Following the operation, ST elevation was measured. To estimate the extent of myocardial damage, infarct size analysis and histopathological examination were performed. The activities of cardiac marker enzymes [creatine kinase (CK)‑MB and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)] and antioxidative indicators [malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)] were also analyzed to explore the underlying mechanisms. Treatment with DOE decreased infarct size and the number of apoptotic cardiomyocytes; reduced serum CK‑MB, LDH and MDA activities; and increased SOD levels. According to western blotting, DOE conferred protection against myocardial ischemic injury via the regulation of Meis1 expression. These results indicated that DOE may exert potential cardioprotective effects against myocardial ischemia; these effects may be associated with its antioxidant activity, and its ability to inhibit cardiac cell apoptosis and to regulate Meis1 expression.