The effects of Picrorrhiza Rhizoma (PR) aqueous extracts were observed on xylene-induced acute inflammation. The xylene was topically applied 60 min after administration of 500, 250 and 125 mg/kg of PR extracts, and all animals were sacrificed 2 hrs after xylene application. The changes on ear weights, histolopathological analyses of ear were evaluated as compared with indomethacin and dexamethasone 15 mg/kg treated groups - well known anti-inflammatory agents. Xylene application resulted in marked increases in induced ear weights as compared with intact control ear. Severe vasodilation, edematous changes of ear skin and increase in the thickness of the ear tissues as acute inflammation were detected in xylene-treated control ears at histopathological observation. However, these xylene-induced acute inflammatory changes were dosedependently decreased by oral treatment of PR extracts. Therefore, it is concluded that PR extracts has favorable anti-inflammatory effects on xylene-applicated acute ear inflamed mice.