Abstract: OBJECTIVE To observe the effects of polyphenol extract from Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. (ZPPC) on learning and memory function and in senile model mice induced by D-galactose. METHDDS The senile model mice were established by D-galactose hypodermic injection for 6 weeks and given ZPPC in therapeutic group and the same normal saline in the normal control group and model group at the same time. The mice of positive control group were given with vitamin E. The learning and memory ability of all mice were tested with Morris water maze. Then the mice were killed and biochemically assayed of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the brain were detected. RESULTS Compared with normal control group, the learning and memory abilities in model group were lowered (P<0.01), SOD activity in the brain decreased (P<0.01) and the MDA content increased (P<0.01). And after given ZPPC, all the abilities were significantly improved (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION ZPPC can improve the learning and memory abilities which may be related to the modulation of the anti-oxidative ability.