Objective: To investigate the influence of Qinggong decoction(QGD)on behavior and neurotransmitter in the elevated plus-maze mice

and to explore the anti-anxiety effects and the mechanisms. Method: Fifty male mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: control group (normal saline)

diazepam group (0.001 5 g·kg-1)

QGD high-dose group (12 g·kg-1)

medium-dose group (6 g·kg-1) and low- dose group (3 g·kg-1)

and gavage administration was carried out once per day for continuous 10 days. Then adopted anxiety animal model with the elevated plus-maze was used to observe the influence of QGD on behavior

and the concentration of brain neurotransmitter was detected in mice by ELISA. Result: QGD could increase the percentage of the times entering the open arms (OE%) and stay duration in the total period (OT%); compared with diazepam group

the high-dose group had a significant difference in OE%

and low-dose group had a significant difference in OT%. In the neurotransmitter testing

QGD significantly lowered the concentration of 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT) and noradrenaline(NE)

and in which medium-dose group significantly reduced the concentration of 5-HT(P < 0.05)

and high-dose group reduced significantly concentration of NE (P < 0.01); compared with diazepam group

the concentration of 5-HT and NE of QGD groups had no obvious difference; the concentration of dopamine(DA) was not statistically different in groups. Conclusion: QGD has anti-anxiety effect

and the mechanism is related to lowering the concentration of 5-HT and NE in mice brain tissues.