Objective:To explore the effects of Kanggu Zengsheng Jiaonang(KGZSJN) on experimental osteoarthritis in rats. Method:Animal models of osteoarthritis were obtained in rats by intra-articular injection of 4% papain for three times. Fifty rats were divided into five groups as normal group

model group

and three KGZSJN treatment groups. The animals began receiving drug orally every day one week after the last injection of papain. Six weeks later

all the animals were sacrificed for analysis. Histological examinations were performed on the articular cartilage. In the same time

the activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and malondialdehyde(MDA)in synovium were measured

the leves of nitric oxide(NO)

nitric oxide synthase(NOS)

interleukin-1β(IL-1β)

tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in serum were measured respectively. Result:KGZSJN could significantly reverse cartilage degeneration

and enhanced the activitiy of SOD in synovium

KGZSJN reduced the activity of MDA in synovium

and the levels of NO

NOS

IL-1β

TNF-α in serum. Conclusion:KGZSJN can provide some protection in a dose-dependent manner in this model. The mechanisms are related to the reduction of expression of MDA

NO

NOS

IL-1β

TNF-α

and enhance the activities of SOD.