Objective: To observe the effect of quercetin

cianidanol

icarisid II

hyperoside and icariin on the inflammatory mediators of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)

interleukin-6 (IL-6) and nitric oxide (NO)

and to discuss the preliminary mechanism of Bushen Huoxue recipe in treating bone arthritis. Method: Qualitative analysis of five flavonoids in water extract of Bushen Huoxue recipe was performed using LC-MS technology

because they may have a potential effect on osteoarthritis. RAW264.74 murine macrophages was stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro and divided into the blank group

the model group

the low-and high-dose of five flavonoids groups (20

100 mg·L-1). The effects on IL-6

TNF-α and NO of five flavonoids were detected by ELISA. Result: Quercetin (100 mg·L-1)

icariin (100 mg·L-1) and icarisid II (20

100 mg·L-1) had a significant inhibition on the release of TNF-α. Cianidanol (100 mg·L-1)

icarisid II (100 mg·L-1)

quercetin (20

100 mg·L-1) and icariin (20

100 mg·L-1) had a significant inhibition on IL-6.Hyperoside (100 mg·L-1) and four the other flavonoids (20

100 mg·L-1) had a remarkable inhibition on the release of NO. Conclusion: The mechanism of Bushen Huoxue recipe in treating osteoarthritis may be contributed by inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators of TNF-α

IL-6 and NO. The results are helpful for exploring the material basis of Bushen Huoxue recipe.