〔Abstract〕 Objective To study the antidepressant effects of extracts fromZanthoxylum bungeanumandZanthoxylum schinifoliumin mice exposed in chronic restraint stress. Methods 45 mice of SPF male ICR were randomly divided into five groups: normal group, model group, sertraline hydrochloride group,Zanthoxylum bungeanumextract group andZanthoxylum schinifoliumextract group, with 9 mice in each group. Except for the normal group, mice in all groups were chronically restrained to establish the depressive model. The normal group and model group were given olive oil by intragastric administration, and other groups were given sertraline hydrochloride(10 mg/kg),Zanthoxylum bungeanumextract(200 mg/kg) andZanthoxylum schinifoliumextract(200 mg/kg), respectively. The behaviors of mice in each group were evaluated by open-field test and forced swimming test. The levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF), 5-hydroxytryptophan(5-HT), glutathione(GSH) and nitric oxide(NO) in serum and brain were determined by ELISA. Results Compared with model group,Zanthoxylum bungeanumextract could reduce the percentage of immobility time in forced swimming test, increase the level of cortical BDNF, and improve the levels of 5-HT and GSH in cortex and serum, with statistical significance(P<0.05).Zanthoxylum schinifoliumextract could improve the behavior of mice in open field test and forced swimming test, increase the levels of cortex 5-HT and serum GSH, and decrease the contents of NO in serum and cortex. Conclusion The extracts ofZanthoxylum bungeanumandZanthoxylum schinifoliumcan improve the depression-like behaviors of mice exposed to chronic restraint stress.