Objective: To observe the effect of ethanol extract and its four fractions from Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma on the despair animal models of depression. Method: ICR mice were divided into two batches

then every batch divided into control and five treatment groups.In the first batch

treatment groups were received ethanol extract at dose of 14.7

29.3

48.8

146.5 mg·kg-1and citalopram hydrobromide at 10.0 mg·kg-1for ten days. In the second batch

treatment groups were received four fractions at dose of 48.8 mg·kg-1 and citalopram hydrobromide at 10.0 mg·kg-1for ten days.1 h after the last administration

forced swimming test(FST) and tail suspension test(TST) were conducted for evaluation of behavior. Result: 95% ethanol extract(29.3

48.8

146.5 mg·kg-1) could significantly reduce the duration of murine immobility(P<0.05).Among four fractions n-butanol fraction and ethyl acetate fraction could significantly reduce the duration of murine immobility(P<0.05)

and ethyl acetate fraction was better than n-butanol fraction. Conclusion: Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma possesses antidepressant effect

n-butanol fraction and ethyl acetate fraction could be the effective fractions.