Objective: To observe the effects of water extract from Polygalae Radix on learning and memory abilities and index of hematology in mice. Method: Eighty four Kunming mice were randomized for learning and memory test and motion test. In learning and memory test forty eight mice were randomly divided into control group

low-dose

middle-dose and high-dose group of extracts from Polygalae Radix. After continuous intragastric administration of twenty one days

the ability of learning and memory was observed and the activity of superoxide dismutases (SOD) and the content of maleic dialdehyde (MDA) was determined in brain. In motion group thirty six mice were randomly divided into control group

swimming group and Polygalae Radix group. Except control group

swimming training was executed in the other groups for three weeks. After the last weight-loaded swimming

the RBC and Hb were determined. Result: Compared with control group the latency period of the mice which were given the middle-dose and high-dose extracts from Polygalae Radix were significantly shorten(P<0.05)

and the times of passing through the flatform were significantly increased(P<0.05).As well as the activity of SOD significantly increased and the content of MDA significantly decreased compared with control group(P<0.05). In motiontest

the weight-loaded swimming time of the mice which were given extracts from Polygalae Radix was signicantly extended compared with control group(P<0.05). Compared with blank group the red blood corpuscle and hemoglobin level in control group were significantly depressed(P<0.05).However

the red blood corpuscle and hemoglobin level in Polygalae Radix group were increased compared with control group(P<0.05)and similar with blank group. Conclusion: The water extract from Polygalae Radix can enhance the ability of learning and memory in mice

raise the activity of SOD and depress the content of MDA. The water extract from Polygalae Radix can increase the ability of motor and suppressed the change of red blood corpuscle and hemoglobin after strenuous exercise.