Tectorigenin has an apoptosis-inducing ability and immunosuppressive activity. We investigated the effect of tectorigenin on Phase I and II enzyme activities to elucidate the pharmacological action of the immunosuppressive tectorigenin in the diabetic rat. This compound was obtained from the hydrolysis of tetoridin isolated from the flower of Pueraria thumbergiana (Leguminosae). This crude drug (Puerariae Flos) has been used as a therapeutic for diabetes mellitus in traditional Korean medicine. Tecotrigenin inhibited the formation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydroxy radicals in serum and liver but promoted superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Low MDA contents and low xanthine oxidase and aldehyde oxidase activities were observed in the tectorigenin-treated rats, suggesting that such Phase I enzyme activities are the major source of lipid peroxidation. However, tectorigenin increased Phase II enzyme activities such as SOD, glutathione peroxidase and catalase, suggesting the activation of free radical-scavenging enzymes. The activities of tectorigenin were comparable to those of glibenclamide, which was employed as a positive control. These results suggest that tectorigenin may share some biological properties with glibenclamide in insulin-dependent-diabetes mellitus (IDDM).