Objective: To optimize enzymolysis technology of total saponins in leaves of Notoginseng Radix Et Rhizoma and evaluate antidepressant activity of its enzymatic hydrolysates. Method: Single factors tests were adopted to optimize enzymolysis technology of total saponins in leaves of Notoginseng Radix Et Rhizoma with the conversion rate of ginsenosides as index.Antidepressant activity of enzymatic hydrolysates was evaluated in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CMS) model of mice. Result: Helicase was chosen as invertase

hydrolysis pH 4.5

reaction temperature at 50 ℃

12 h for reaction time. Under these conditions

the conversion rate of ginsenosides was about 50%.After continuous treatments with unpredictable mild stress for 6 weeks

mice showed depression-like behaviors

such as reduced body weight

decrease in locomotor activity and anhedonia

which indicated that CMS model of mice was prepared.Then mice were orally received drugs from week 7 to week 9

body weight and sucrose preference of mice were significantly increased

and locomotor activity levels of mice also improved to some extent.In week 9

compared with the model group

body weight of different (low

middle and high) dose groups of enzymatic hydrolysates and fluoxetine group increased by 9.33%

12.44%

18.13% and15.03%

respectively(all groups showed significant difference);Sucrose preference rates of these four groups improved by 22.64%

19.87%

19.38% and 20.85%

respectively(all groups showed significant difference);locomotor activity levels of these four groups increased by 8.35%

41.30%

13.33% and 12.06% (only the middle group of enzymatic hydrolysates showed significant difference). Conclusion: Enzymatic hydrolysates of total saponins in leaves of Notoginseng Radix Et Rhizoma had a good antidepressant effects on CMS model of mice.