The photocatalytic activity for H-2 evolution from pure water over Pd loaded TiO2 prepared by gardenia extract (Pd-Gardenia-TiO2) is systematically investigated. The as-prepared photocatalysts are characterized by X-ray diffraction, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Gardenia extract functions as reducing and stabilizing agents simultaneously. The mean size of the as-prepared Pd nanoparticles is in the range of 2.3 +/- 0.5 nm based on TEM images. The Pd-Gardenia-TiO2 catalyst exhibits good photocatalytic activity for H-2 evolution (93 mu mol . h(-1) . g(-1)), which is much higher than that of Pd photodeposited on TiO2. Possible factors for its photocatalytic activity from pure water are also investigated. Copyright (C) 2011, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.