Objective: To study the protective function of Gardenia yellow (GY) against CCl 4 induced hepatotoxicity in mice.Methods: Healthy Kunming male mice, weighting (20?2) g, 10 per group were randomized into 5 groups:control group, CCl 4 injured group, low dose group(CCl 4 injured+0.1 ml GY solution), medium dose group(CCl 4 injured+ 0.2 ml GY solution) and high dose group(CCl 4 injured+0.4ml GY solution). GY solution was given i.g. 5 d prior to CCl 4 injury. Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase(SGPT) and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase(SGOT) and lactic dehydrogenase(LDH) activities were determined 18 h after CCl 4 injury. Hepatic malondialdehyde(MDA), glutathione(GSH) and liver index were also detected. Results: In GY treated groups, the increases of serum SGOT, SGPT, LDH activities and liver GSH were inhibited obviously. The elevations of MDA and liver index were prevented significantly. The lesions in liver lobule were ameliorated obviously. Conclusion: Gardenia yellow can protect against CCl 4 induced hepatotoxicity.