The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing a monoacetyldiacylglycerol compound as an active ingredient for preventing or treating asthma, and a functional health food composition for preventing or treating asthma. The monoacetyldiacylglycerol compound of the present invention inhibits the expression of IL-4 in EL-4 cells, which are mouse T cell lymphoma cells, reduces hypersensitivity of airway in an asthma-induced animal model, and inhibits the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the bronchial tube. In addition, the compounds of the present invention inhibit the generation of IgE in the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, have an excellent effect of inhibiting the expression of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) in the lung, thereby overcome side effects of the currently used therapeutic agents for asthma, have no toxicity, and exhibit a superior therapeutic effect, and thus can be useful as a composition for preventing, treating, and alleviating asthma.
