The protective effect of the water extract of Fraxinus rhynchophylla leaves (FLE) was determined using an animal model of acetaminophen (AAP)-induced nephrotoxicity. The BALB/c male mice used in this study were divided into 3 groups; the normal, AAP-administered, and FLE-pretreated AAP groups. A single dose of AAP induced necrosis of renal tubules and congestion along with edema to a remarkable degree as observed by hematoxylin and eosin stain, and also increased the numbers of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive renal tubular epithelial cells. Blood urea nitrogen and plasma creatinine levels were determined to be significantly higher in the AAP group than in the normal group. However, FLE pretreatment resulted in an attenuation of renal tubule necrosis. Regeneration and dilatation of renal tubules were noted, and the numbers of TUNEL-positive cells were reduced in the FLE-pretreated groups. In an effort to detect the bioactive compounds exerting protective effects in FLE, the analysis of phenolic compounds via gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) were performed, and identified esculetin and esculin. The present study indicates that these compounds may exert a protective effect against AAP-induced nephrotoxicity.