Abstract: This paper deals with the biochemical effects of propyl gallate in mice and rats with liver acutely injured by orally administrated ethanol. The results showed that propyl gallic acid inhibited lipid peroxidation, maintained normal status of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in injured liver tissue. This compound was also shown to be protective for the structural integrity of liver mitochondria. These findings are helpful in elucidating the mode of biochemical-pharmacologic actions of the traditional Chinese drug herbaceous peony.