Ethnopharmacological relevance: In the folk-traditional medicine, snails were used to purify blood, boost immune system, prevent conjunctivitis and to treat liver problems. Objectives: To evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of the edible snail (Bellamia bengalensis) flesh extract in male Wistar rats treated with carbon tetrachloride as an hepatotoxicant. Materials and methods: Live adult Bellamia bengalensis was collected commercially from the Kolkata market. Aqueous flesh extract (BBE) was prepared in 0.9% saline and expressed in terms of wet weight basis. The aqueous flesh extract was administered orally (1, 2 g kg -1 day -1) to male rats for 12 days. Liv52 was used as positive control. 24 h after administration of extract, the rats were given a single oral dose of CCl 4 (1.25 ml kg -1), except vehicle control rats. After 24 h of CCl 4 administration, all the animals were sacrificed to collect the blood and liver tissue. Results: BBE (1 and 2 g kg -1 day -1, p.o. × 12 days) significantly prevented CCl 4 induced elevation of SGOT, SGPT, γGT, ACP, ALP, bilirubin, LDH and CCl 4 induced decrease in total protein, triglyceride level in male Wistar rats. BBE treated rat liver anti-oxidant parameters (LPO, SOD, GSH, CAT, GPx) were significantly antagonized for the pro-oxidant effect of CCl 4. Histopathological studies also supported the protective effect of BBE. Conclusion: This study validated the folk and traditional use of snail in liver disorder through CCl 4-induced rat experimental model. © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.