The invention provides a calamus amide compound as well as a preparation method and application of the calamus amide compound. The compound is (E)-methyl- 4-[3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)acrylamido]butanoate or a (Z)-methyl- 4-[3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)acrylamido]butanoate enol isomer, is separated and purified from roots and stems of acorus tatarinowii serving as an araceae acorus plant, has the effect of promoting the activity of a 5-serotonin transporter (SERT), can be used as a drug for treating depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, obsession, neurodegenerative diseases, drug addiction or digestive system dysfunction and other diseases, and has an important drug development value.