The present invention is related to a composition comprising an extract of licorice or liquiritigenin isolated therefrom significantly decrease the blood concentration of LDH and ALT enzyme, central necrosis and inflammation in acetaminophen-induced hepato-toxicity animal model when the inventive extract or compound of the present invention was orally and intravenously administrated thereto. Accordingly, the inventive compositions according to the present invention are useful in the prevention and treatment of the liver diseases and can be used as safe and efficient hepato-protective