Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to find in nature a compound having a degranulation inhibitory action comparable to that of steroidal or non-steroidal degranulation inhibitors, but without any side effect such as hormone action or gastrointestinal disturbances which are observed in these inhibitors, and there is provided a degranulation inhibitor comprising as an active ingredient an ellagic acid derivative of the formula (I): [wherein R1 represents a hydroxy group or methoxy group, and R2 represents a methoxy group, or R1 and R2 are taken together to form a methylenedioxy group, R3 represents a hydroxy group or methoxy group, and R4 represents a glucosyloxy group or hydroxy group] or a salt thereof.