The present invention relates to obovatol compound isolated from Magnolia obovata Thunb. for the prevention and treatment of anxiety disorders involved with CNS. The obovatol compound isolated from Magnolia obovata Thunb. have potent anti-anxiety activity, verified by an increased percentage of time on the open arms, an increased number of entries into, time spent on, the distal portion of the open arms, and a decreased activity of locomotor. Therefore it can be used as the therapeutics or health care food for treating and preventing anxiety disorders.