Palmitic acid methyl ester is a novel neuroprotective agent against cardiac arrest.

•We previously discovered palmitic acid methyl ester (a C16:0 saturated fatty acid) is a novel and potent vasodilator.•We investigated the therapeutic potential of palmitic acid methyl ester against cardiac arrest-induced brain injury and neurological deficits.•We found that post-treatment of palmitic acid methyl ester after cardiac arrest can enhance cerebral blood flow and neuronal cell survival ultimately improving functional learning/memory.