Objective: To observe the effects of Modified Longmu Ningshen decoction (MLND) on the mouse model of depression. Method: Sixty ICR mice were randomly divided into 5 groups:the normal group (normal saline)

the fluoxetine group (25 mg·kg-1) and the low-

medium-

high-dose MLND groups (4

8

16 g·kg-1). The corresponding medicines and normal saline at 0.02 mL·kg-1 body weight were administrated to the mice once daily for 10 days. The effect on acute stress including tail suspension immobility time and swimming immobility time

the changes of body weight

body temperature and behavior were observed. Another 72 ICR mice were randomly divided into 6 groups:the normal group (normal saline)

the model group (reserpine)

the fluoxetine group (25 mg·kg-1) and the low-

medium-

high-dose MLND groups (4

8

16 g·kg-1). The corresponding medicines at 0.02 mL·kg-1 body weight were administrated to the mice once daily for 10 days. The effect on depression including ptosis

akinesia and temperature were observed. The contents of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in serum and the whole brain were determined. Result: Compared with the normal group

MLND could shorten the immobility time of tail suspension and swimming of mice in the acute stress experiment (P <0.05

P <0.01). MLND could reduce the levels of IL-2

inhibit the reserpine-induced body temperature rising

eye ptosis and akinesia of mice

and decrease the level of 5-HT significantly (P <0.05

P <0.01). Conclusion: MLND has a certain anti-depression effect and the mechanism may be related to increasing 5-HT and decreasing of IL-2.