This study was undertaken to examine the effect of Cheongahwan(CAH), being known to reinforce Kidney-yang, on the activities of endogenous antioxidant enzymes and the production of oxygen free radicals in the kidney tissues. Alterations in enzyme activities were observed after in vivo treatment in rats. CAH caused a significant increase in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase. But catalase activity was not significantly altered by CAH. Treatment in vitro of CAH decreased the production of oxygen free radicals in a dose-dependent fashion. These results suggest that CAH stimulate the activities of antioxidant enzymes and inhibit directly the production of oxygen free radicals. These effects of CAH may contribute to prevent the oxygen free radical-induced impairment of cell function.