Objectives : For the purpose of verifying the anti-depressant effect of Paeoniae Radix Rubra(PR), the expression of corticotropin-releasing factor(CRF), c-Fos and tyrosine hydroxylase(TH) was evaluated after performing the Forced Swimming Test(FST). Methods : Spraque-Dawley rats were ingested PR extract(100mg/kg, 400mg/kg, p.o.) for 3 times prior to FST. And the expression of corticotropin-releasing factor(CRF), c-Fos in the paraventricular nucleus(PVN) and tyrosine hydroxylase(TH) in the locus coelureus(LC) and ventral tegmental area(VTA) was measured immunohistochemically after FST. Results : The duration of immobility was significantly decreased in PR 100mg/kg Group and PR 400mg/kg Group, in comparison with the control group (p<0.001). The expression of CRF in the PVN was significantly decreased in PR 400mg/kg Group in comparison of the control group (p<0.05). The expression of c-Fos in the PVN was rather significantly increased in PR 100mg/kg Group in comparison with the control group, while almost no change was demonstrated in PR 400mg/kg Group. The expression of TH was significantly decreased in VTA in comparison with the control group (p<0.05), but the number of expression cells in LC was slightly decreased in case of PR 100mg/kg group while it was increased in case of PR 400mg/kg Group. Conclusion : Judging from the result of the aforementioned tests, Paeoniae Radix Rubra has decreased immobility. In addition, it has also decreased the expression of CRF and the expression of TH in VTA, while the expression of c-Fos and of TH in LC has no significance. Therefore, it is believed that Paeoniae Radix Rubra has an anti-depressant effect by decreased immobility through the reduced expression of CRF and TH in VTA.