Rhizomes of Valeriana jatamansi (family, Valerianaceae) have long been used in Indian subcontinent by the traditional healers for the treatment of various diseases. This study provides experimental evidence suggesting the therapeutic effect of the crude extract of rhizomes on rat liver fibrosis, and demonstrates its antiproliferative role. Crude extract (50% ethanolic) at a dose level of 800 mg/kg body weight was administered to rats to study the effect on biochemical and other markers of liver fibrosis. Administration of the extract for 9 weeks could bring down elevated the levels of biochemical markers of liver injury, and modulate several other biochemical responses. Morphology and hisopathological examination cooroborated with the biochemical changes, and indicated partial reversal of fibrosis. DPPH assay confirmed the antioxidant property of the extract, which is suggested to be due to -ionone, -sitosterol and other chemical constituents. Further, treatment could restore depleted glutathione level, inhibit lipid peroxidation, and inhibited elevated xanthine oxidase activity in fibrosis. The study also reports anti-tumour promotion activity of the extract as evident by a significant decrease in [ 3 H]-thymidine incorporation by hepatic DNA in extract treated rats. Results suggest that V. jatamansi extract has curative effect and can partially reverse biochemical and histological changes associated with liver fibrosis.