Salidroside is an extract from Rhodiola crenulata as well as one of major active constituents. In studies of recent years, salidroside showed multiple effects in protecting nerves, scavenging free radicals, regulating central nervous system neurotransmitter, increasing the ability to promote nerve repair and modulating of apoptosis-related gene expression. Hence, it is expected to be applied in treating degenerative nerve diseases and brain ischemic diseases. This essay summarizes studies on pharmacological effects of salidroside on nerve system diseases, providing reference for further studies, development and application of R. crenulata.