The present invention relates to a composition comprising an extract of Cistanche deserticola Y. C. having nerve growth factor (NGF) similar activity for the prevention and treatment of neuronal degenerative brain disease. The extracts from Cistanche deserticola have potent neuronal cell protective activity by promoting neurite outgrowth and acting as a NGF therefore it can be used as the therapeutics or health food for treating and preventing neuro-degenerative brain diseases.