The damage of plasmid DNA by lipid peroxidation and its inhibition were investigated through the model system of DNA and linoleic acid at $37^{circ}C$. The degree of DNA damage increased in proportion to the increase of concentration and peroxidation of linoleic acid. DNA damage induced from linoleic acid peroxidation was greatly inhibited by the addition of active oxygen scavengers, especially, singlet of oxygen scavenge$(alpha-tocopherol,;cysteine)$ and superoxide anion scavenger(superoxide dismutase, ascorbic acid) in reaction system. These active oxygens, such as superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide were rapidly generated in the early stage of peroxidation (POV below 100 mg/kg) and also scanvenged by the addition of superoxide dismutase and catalase, respectively. Hydroperoxide isolated from autoxidised linoleic acid showed DNA damage. Hydroperoxide induced-DNA damage was not inhibited by active oxygen scavengers. Lipid oxidation products, malonaldehyde and hexanal, also influenced on the DNA damage. Accordingly, it is speculated that DNA damage by lipid oxidation products is due to active oxygens such as singlet oxygen and superoxide anion formed in the early stage of peroxidation, direct action of hydroperoxide and formation of low molecular carbonyl compound-DNA complex. Furthermore, DNA damage induced by lipid peroxidation was remarkably inhibited by the addition of active oxygen scavengers and natural antioxidative fractions extracted from garlic and ginger. These antioxidative fractions also suppressed the generation of active orygens and linoleic acid oxidation. It is assumed that the inhibition of DNA damage by garlic and ginger extracts is due to the scavenging effect of active oxygens and the inhibition of hydroperoxide and oxidation products formation.