Disclosed are a Nelumbinis Semen extract for treating depression, method
of preparing the extract, and a pharmaceutical composition and a health
food, comprising the extract. The Nelumbinis Semen extract is prepared by
extracting Nelumbinis Semen with an alcohol or an alcohol solution. The
Nelumbinis Semen extract has been demostrated using animal behavioral,
bio-chemical and molecular biological methods to have strong
antidepressive activity, as well as inhibiting immune suppression caused
by depression, leading to normal immune responses, and reducing side
effects of conventional antidepressants, thereby ensuring safety. Thus,
The Nelumbinis Semen extract is useful for preparing a composition or
health food for treating depression.