Object : This study was earned out to examine the effect of Bupleuri Radix on experimental cholestasis, and make clear a part of this mechanism. Methods : Two models of common bile duct ligation group and taurocholate load group after common bile duct ligation were induced, and Bupleuri Radix extract was taken orally for 14 days. In the 1, 2, 4, 7 and l4days after treatment, cytosolic, mitochondrial and microsomal catechol-O-methyltransferase(COMT) activities in liver were measured. Results : The activities of cytosolic, mitochondrial and microsomal COMT increased in the Blupleuri Radix treated group after common bile duct ligation and after taurocholate load and common bile duct ligation. The activities of cytosolic and mitochondrial COMT increased particularly in Blupleuri Radix treated group after taurocholate load and common bile duct ligation. Conclusions : According to the result, it is considered that Blupleuri Radix not only improves cholestatis in liver, but also decreases a genetic synthesis of taurocholic acid.