The hepatoprotection by the methanol extract of Oenanthe javanica DC (water dropwort) (OJME) was investigated in Sprague Dawley rats with inducing liver damage by acetaminophen. After OJME administration for 1 week, the increase of hepatic lipid peroxide level by acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity was significantly reduced. In case of phase I microsomal enzyme systems including cytochrome P-450, aminopyrine N-demethylase and aniline hydroxylase, any significant differences between in control and in OJME-pretreated group was observed after acetaminophen treatment. However, the pretreatment of OJME maintained the hepatic glutathione level and the activity of liver cytosolic glutathione S-transferase, which was significantly decreased by the acetaminophen intoxication. Among the glutathione-generating system, glutathione reductase was more responsible for its biosynthesis rather than ${gamma}-glutamylcystein$ synthetase. OJME itself showed the strong inhibition activity on DPPH radical generation. In conclusion, OJME administration maintains the liver glutathione pool and hepatic glutathione S-transferase activity, in addition with its high anti-oxidative capability, to show hepatoprotective effect from acetaminophen intoxication.