Gossypin is a bioflavonoid compound and is found in various herbs, especially in Malvaceae family. The pharmacological properties of Gossypin have been rarely reported with the exception of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The purpose of this study was to characterize the putative anxiolytic-like properties and antidepressant activity using an elevated plus maze (EPM), Light -Dark test forced swim test, chronic mild stress (CMS) and sedative property by pentobarbitone induced sleeping time. Control mice were treated with an equal volume of vehicle (Saline 0.9% w/v), and positive control mice were treated with diazepam. (1 mg/kg). All the test drugs were administered orally. Gossypin (20mg/kg) significantly increase the time spent in open arms of EPM test (p< 0.01). In the light-dark test, Gossypin significantly increased the time spent in light space at 20mg/kg (p<0.01). The Antidepressant effect was supported by the forced swim test, Gossypin (20mg/kg) significantly shortened the immobility time and the effect was comparable to Imipramine (20mg/kg) (p<0.01). In the CMS test, mice were subjected to CMS exhibited as reduction in sucrose intake, the reversal of the intake has been shown by Gossypin (20mg/kg) in 21 days treatment, which was comparable to Amytriptaline (20mg/kg) (p<0.01). At higher doses, a sedative effect produced by acute administration of Gossypin (20mg/kg) was indicated by the potentiation of pentobarbital induced sleep. The present results shows the anxiolytic profile and antidepressant effect of Gossypin. © 2008 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.