The present invention relates to a composition for preventing and treating inflammatory disease containing an Ardisia tinctoria (Ardisia tinctoria Pit.) extract or a fraction thereof as an active ingredient. More specifically, it has been confirmed that an Ardisia tinctoria extract or a fraction thereof suppresses the production of nitric oxide which is sharply increased by inflammation induction, and it has been confirmed that the Ardisia tinctoria extract is effective in markedly reducing the amount of PGE2, IL-6 (interleukin-6) and IL-1 beta cytokine in a dose dependent fashion, and that it inhibits the expression of iNOS and the COX2 gene and protein and inhibits nuclear translocation of p65 protein and phosphorylation of signal transducers. Also, it has been confirmed that the Ardisia tinctoria extract and an ethyl acetate fraction are effective in suppressing inflammation in a carrageenan-induced mouse podedema model as well. Consequently, the Ardisia tinctoria extract or fraction can be used to advantage as an active ingredient in compositions for preventing and treating or alleviating inflammatory related diseases, or compositions for topical skin preparations, cosmetic compositions and health foods.