Aqueous extract of Morus alba L. blocked the toxic effect of paraquat on E. coli growth. The active components in the extract may be capable of crossing the cell membranes and protect against superoxide toxicity in E. coli, The extract inhibited $FeSO_4/H_2O_2$ induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver homogenate and protected against t-butyl hydroperoxide caused Ac2F cell damage. Moreover, the extract showed inhibitory effect on phospholipase $A_2$ activity in a dose dependent manner. Antiinflammatory effect of the extract was further investigated using the carrageenin-induced oedema model. A single adminstration of the extract (3g/kg body, p.o.) was more effective than indomethacin. These results suggest that the isolation and identification of the active components would have significant therapeutic application to inflammation associated with oxygen radicals.