To explore the application of milkvetch root in treatment of depression.Methods：In accordance with the pathogenesis of depression， the application rule of compatibility of medicine was summarized through literature analysis.Results：Milkvetch root could nourish the heart and promote blood circulation， tonify qi to alleviate mental depression， moisturize the lung to regulate up and down activity， strengthen the body surface resistance to resolve depression， protect the liver and promote dispersion and regulate the middle warmer to resolve depression， fortify the spleen and help transportation and transformation and raise yang to resolve depression， and tonify the kidney and help gasification and promote the circulation of water to resolve depression.Through the compatibility of medicine according to syndromes，it could resolve depression and move stagnation.The antidepressant mechanism mainly involved hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis， inflammatory cytokines， immunologic function， nerve cells etc.Conclusion：In-depth study on its application and compatibility of medicine and mechanism will provide scientific basis for TCM clinical treatment of depression.