Objective:To observe the therapeutic effect of Guben Huayufang for the relapse of ulcerative colitis(UC) and its influence on serum tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α). Method: Eighty-four patients with UC were divided into two groups randomly

44 cases in treatment group treated with the Guben Huayufang plus salazosulfapyridine and 40 cases in control group treated with salazosulfapyridine. And a normal control group with 20 healthy volunteers was set. After three months

the general therapeutic effect of the two groups and the relapse information were observed after 6 months

also the serum TNF-α were detect before and after the therapy in three groups. Result: The therapeutic effect of treatment group is better than control group(P<0.05); the relapse ratio of treatment group is lower than control group(P<0.05). After the treatment

the serum TNF-α in treatment group is higher than control group and healthy control group(P<0.05). And the serum TNF-α in the relapse patients is higher than patients who has not relapsed(P＜0.01). After the treatment

and during the follow-up

the serum TNF-α in treatment group is lower than control group(P＜0.05); but with no difference during the follow-up. Conclusion: The therapeutic effect of Guben Huayufang for UC is significant

and can lower the relapse ratio. The mechanism might be that it can lower the expression of serum TNF-α.