The current study examined the effect of quercetin supplements on the lipid-lowering and antioxidant metabolism in ethanol-fed rats. The control $group(E_8)$ received ethanol only diet for 8 wks, whereas the other group$(E_8Q_4)$ received a diet including quercetin supplementation(0.05% wt/wt) for 4 wks while on the ethanol diet for 8wks. The hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase activity was significantly higher in the $E_8Q_4$ group than in the $E_8$ group. Supplementation with quercetin significantly elevated the HDL- cholesterol concentration, the HDL-C/total-C ratio, and lowered the atherogenic index(AI) compared to the $E_8$ group. The hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol contents were significantly lowered by the quercetin supplement compared to those of the control group. The hepatic HMG-CoA reductase and ACAT activities of the $E_8Q_4$ group were significantly lower than those of the $E_8$ group. The overall potential for antioxidant defense was significantly enhanced by the quercetin supplement, as indicated by a decrease in plasma and hepatic TBARS levels. The hepatic GSH-Px and G6PD activities were significantly higher in the $E_8Q_4$ group compared to the $E_8$ group. The current results suggest that dietary quercetin leads to the inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase and ACAT, which in turn lowers cholesterol levels and normalizes antioxidant enzyme activities.