In order to evaluate the mode of action of ginseng saponin. metabolic changes in the plasma of normal and aloxan-intoxicated rats were compared Normal groups were administered only ginseng saponin 0, 5, 50mg/kg for 16 days, but alloxan-intoxicated groups were administered alloxan 25mg/kg for 3 days in addition to ginseng saponin. (1) No significant change in the concentration of glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride (TG) was observed in normal rats but great inhibitory effect, except elevation of TG, was observed in alloxan-intoxicated rats. However, blood urea nitrogen was elevated in both normal and alloxan- intoxicated rats by administration of ginseng saponin 50mg/kg, and it was considered to be due to the impaired kidney function caused by overdose toxicity. (2) In normal rats, COT and ALP actIn,its were not changed by administration of ginseng saponin but GPT activity was decreased significantly. In alloxan-intoxicated rats, ginseng saponin exerted inhibitory action on the elevation of COT, CPT and ALP activity. But administration of ginseng saponin Smghg was much more effective than administration of 50mg/kg. (3) There fore, we concluded that ginseng saponin has the adaptogenic activity showing little effect on normal metabolism but great preventive action on alloxan-intoxicated rats.