An object of the invention is to find, from nature, a compound which does not have a side effect such as a hormone action or gastrointestinal disturbance as steroidal or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents and has an anti-inflammatory action being as good as that of those anti-inflammatory agents and is to provide an anti-inflammatory agent where an extract prepared by extraction of leaves of Yabutsubaki (Camellia japonica L.), Tsubaki (Camellia japonica L. cv.) or Sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua T.) with water, a hydrophilic solvent or a mixture thereof is an active ingredient.