This study was performed to examine the effect of red ginseng total saponin and extract on memory in mice using one trial step-down type passive avoidance method. Red ginseng total saponins (No. 1: PD/PT ratio=1.24, No. 2: PD/PT ratio=1.47) were prepared with the different mixing ratio by using the parts of red ginseng. In single administration of total saponin No. 1 (100 mg/ kg, bw) or No. 2 (50 mg/kg, bw) increased the latency time as compared with control group but was not statistically significant. Treatment of total saponin No. 1 (50 mg/kg, bw) for 10 days produced an increase of latency time but was not statistically significant. In scopolamine-induced memory deficient mice total saponin No. 1 (50 mg/kg, bw) and No. 2 (100 mg/kg, bw) significantly improved the latency time. These results show that red ginseng total saponin may improve the memory of sco-polamine-induced memory deficient mice and have nootropic activity.