Picroliv, a standardized extract from the plant Picrorhiza kurrooa containing active constituents, showed a significant dose dependent (3-12 mg/kg p.o. x 7) protective activity against galactosamine-induced hepatic damage in rat as evaluated on the isolated hepatocytes (ex vivo) preparation. It markedly increased the percentage of viability of hepatocytes. It also restored the galactosamine-induced changes in the levels of enzymes (GOT, GPT and alkaline phosphatase) both in isolated hepatic cells as well as in serum. In addition, picroliv possessed a marked anticholestatic effect. Picroliv was found to be more potent than silymarin, a standard hepatoprotective agent.