Background: Sulforaphane (SFN), a sulfur containing compound naturally occurring in cruciferous vegetables, exhibits several biological activities that make it a potent agent in the treatment of many diseases.   Purpose: The present study was designed to evaluate the restorative potential of SFN against diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Materials and methods: SFN was extracted from cabbage and was characterized by UV, FT-IR and GC spectrophotometry. The antioxidant activity of SFN was evaluated in vitro by α, α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging method. The hepatoprotective effect of SFN was evaluated in DEN-intoxicated rats comparing to the well-known hepatoprotector, silymarin. Serum levels ofalanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase(AST), albumin and total bilirubin were determined. Histopathological of liver tissues was performed. Results: Levels of ALT, AST and total bilirubin were significantly decreased, whereas albumin concentration was increased in rats received SFN either before or after the administration of DEN compared to control. Moreover, Liver histology indicated that SFN repairs hepatic damage induced by DEN in rats. Conclusion: Cabbage extracted SFN improves the functions and architecture of liver in DEN-intoxicated rats and maximize the hepatoprotective potential of silymarin.