Objective To observe the impact of Yizhi Ningshen Keli（ 益智宁神颗粒） on the activity level and spatial memory ability of juvenile spontaneous hypertension rats（ SHR）. Methods Sixty-four SHR were randomized into model group

Chinese medicine group

tomoxetine group and methylphenidate group

each group with 16 rats. Sixteen Kyoto rats were taken as the normal group. The Chinese medicine group was given Yizhi Ningshen Keli1. 1 g/（ kg· d） by gavage. The tomoxetine group was given tomoxetine capsule 3 mg/（ kg · d） by gavage. The methylphenidate group was given methylphenidate tablet 5 mg/（ kg·d） by gavage. The model group and the normal group were given normal saline equivalent to the Chinese medicine group by gavage

once every day

for 4 weeks.Rats’ activity level and cognitive function were observed by open field test and water maze test. Results In the open field test

rats’ erect times and horizontally moving grids number in the model group were larger than those in the normal group（ P < 0. 05）. Rats’ erect times in the Chinese medicine group were smaller than those in the model group

the methylphenidate group and the tomoxetine group

while the times were larger than in the normal group（ P < 0. 05）. The difference of horizontally moving grids number in the model group

the Chinese medicine group

the methylphenidate group and the tomoxetine group was not significant（ P > 0. 05）. In the Morris water maze test

as for place navigation test part

with the increase of test time

the latent period showed a gentle downward trend in the Chinese medicine group

the tomoxetine group and the methylphenidate group. Compared each time point with the normal group

the latent period decreased in the model group

the Chinese medicine group

the tomoxetine group and the methylphenidate group（ P < 0. 05）. Rats’ swimming speed and distance did not change obviously with test time increase. As for spatial probe test part

compared with the normal group

the latent period decreased in the model group

the Chinese medicine group

the tomoxetine group and the methylphenidate group. Swimming speed in the tomoxetine group increased（ P < 0. 05）. The difference of swimming distance in all groups was not significant（ P >0. 05）. Conclusion Yizhi Ningshen Keli might improve the impulsive and hyperactive behavior and the cognitive function of juvenile SHR. The effect might be similar to tomoxetine and methylphenidate. The long-term effect might be superior to tomoxetine and methylphenidate.