Standardized extract of Curcuma xanthorrhiza (CE) contained 16% of xanthorrhizol. Ulcerative colitis was significantly attenuated by treatment with CE (4 or 40 mg/kg). CE reduced the level of inflammation-related gene expression; COX-2 and S100a8. Anti-inflammatory of CE appear to be mediated by the NF-κB signaling pathway. CE may be an attractive natural source for functional food to modulate colitis.