A simple and rapid method for isolation and purification of gangliosides (Gls) from the rat brain is described. The gangliosides were isolated and purified by centrifugal mini-column chromatography. The rate of recovery of standard Gls was up to 97.64%, n=7, CV＜3%. No detective loss of Gls was demonstrated. The novel method offers a few advantages: 1.It is simple, rapid and efficient. 2.The thin layer chromatographic patterns of total Gls of samples obtained are clear and distinct. 3.Less solvent was consumed. Thus, the method is especially applicable to comparative and qualitative studies of gangliosides of micro samples, and to ganlioside metabolism research of tissues and cells in vitro.