The present invention relates to the use of lignan compounds for treating or preventing an inflammatory disease. More particularly, it relates to a method for preventing or treating an inflammatory disease, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of macelignan represented by Chemical Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The lignan compound has the effect of inhibiting inflammatory reactions by inhibiting the production or expression of inflammation mediators NO, iNOS, PGE2, COX-2 and TNF-α and by treating or preventing inflammatory disease in vivo. Accordingly, the lignan compound or a Myristica fragrans extract will be highly useful for the treatment or prevention of an inflammatory disease.