The present invention pertains to: an Antarctic lichen extract having anti-inflammatory activity; and a composition for preventing or treating inflammatory diseases, the composition containing the Antarctic lichen extract as an active ingredient. The Umbilicaria antarctica extract of the present invention down-regulates inflammatory mediators, such as NO and cytokines, in immune cells by attenuating NF-κB activation involved in NF-κB pathways. Thus, the extract of the present invention is useful for preventing and treating inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and cancer.
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