Objective: To observe the effect of Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma et Radix extract and its effective parts on gouty arthritis. Method: SD rats were randomly divided into 8 groups

such as the blank group

model group

colchicine group(0.28 mg·kg-1)

high

middle and low(260

130

65 mg·kg-1) dose group of Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma et Radix extract

anthraquinone effective part group(11 mg·kg-1)

stilbene effective part group(650 mg·kg-1)

continuous intragastric administration of 14 days for once a day

after administration of 1 h in the twelfth day

rats were injected with 0.2 mL of uric acid sodium solution at the right hind limb

the right hind limb's circumference of rats were measured at 2

4

8

12

24

48 h in the same site

the degree of swelling was calculated.Colorimetric method was adopted to determine the level of uric acid(UA) and xanthine oxidase(XOD) in rat serum.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was employed to observe the pathological changes of the rat ankle joint synovial tissue. Result: Compared with the blank group

rats ankle swelling degree of the model group increased significantly.Compared with the model group

high and middle dose group of Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma et Radix extract and colchicine group can significantly reduce swelling degree

anthraquinone effective part group at 2

4 h can significantly reduce swelling degree

stilbene effective part group in 2

4

8

12

24

48 h can significantly reduce swelling degree.Compared with the blank group

UA and XOD levels in serum were significantly increased in the model group.Compared with the model group

Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma et Radix extract groups and its effective part groups can significantly reduce UA and XOD levels.Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma et Radix extract and its effective part can improve the pathology of synovial tissue. Conclusion: Anti-gouty arthritis of Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma et Radix extract may be the result of joint action of stilbene and anthraquinone.