The neuropharmacological effects of the decoction of Nauclea latifolia Smith (Rubiaceae) roots were studied in mice Different experimental models (forced swimming test, horizontal wire test and hole-board test) were used for detecting antidepressant, myorelaxant and anxiolytic properties The results revealed that Nauclea latifolia induced a reduction of immobility, in a similar way to that of fluoxetine, along with a significant increase in the percentage of spent time in swimming behavior Nauclea latifolia displayed a myorelaxant activity in the horizontal wire test In the hole-board test, Nauclea laufolta significantly increased the number and duration of head-dips In addition, anxiolytic-like properties of Nauclea laufolta were blocked by anxiogenic agents as examined in the hole-board test This was the case for N-methyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxamide (FG7142), a partial Inverse agonist at the benzodiazepine site of the GABA(A) receptor complex, flumazenil (RO151788), a central benzodiazepine receptor antagonist and bicuculline, a light-sensitive competitive antagonist of GABA(A) receptors These results suggest that Nauclea latifolia roots decoction possess antidepressant, myorelaxant and anti-anxiety-like properties in the models employed The extracts might potentially act by GABAergic activation and/or by modulating the serotoninergic levels in the central nervous system However, further studies were still required