Ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1), one of the principle active components of Panax ginseng, has been reported to reduce inflammation in various diseases. In the present study, we investigated whether GRb1 has an anti-inflammatory effect on postoperative ileus (POI) and further contributes to the recovery of gastrointestinal motility. POI was induced in rats by intestinal manipulation. The POI rats received 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg GRb1 orally via gavage four times before and after surgery. Gastrointestinal motility was assessed by charcoal transport. Systemic inflammation was assessed by serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 concentrations, whereas intestinal inflammation was assessed by the activity of myeloperoxidase, and concentrations and gene expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 in the ileum tissue. The results revealed that GRb1 increased rat gastrointestinal transit with POI. The increased levels of systemic and intestinal inflammatory parameters in POI rats were also reduced by GRb1. In addition, GRb1 reduced systemic and intestinal inflammation and increased the gastrointestinal transit of POI rats in a dose-dependent manner, and with significance at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg. These results suggest that GRb1 has a potent anti-inflammatory effect on POI and further contributes to the recovery of gastrointestinal motility. GRb1 may be a promising treatment for POI prophylaxis.