In the present study the hydroalcoholic extract of fruits of Physalis alkekengi was investigated for its steroidal and metabolic activity in albino rats of either sex in two different tests. In both the tests, the animals were treated with the test drug (450 mg/kg/p.o.) twice a day for three

days and were sacrificed subsequently on day 4. In the test for steroidal activity, thymus gland was dissected out and weighed while in the test designed for metabolic activity, liver was dissected out for glycogen estimation and blood was collected for the estimation of blood sugar, serum protein and serum cholesterol. The test drug reduced the thymus weight significantly (p<0.01) as compared to the plain control. It also induced hyperproteinemic and liver glycogen increasing effect and moderately increased the blood glucose level. The findings suggest that the hydroalcoholic extract of fruits of Physalis alkekengi possesses marked steroidal and metabolic activity. Steroidal effect may be one of the bases for its use in kidney diseases especially nephrotic syndrome like condition.