Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect of compound Xuelian capsule on type Ⅱ collagen-induced arthritis in rats

and to explore its mechanism. Method: Rats were given pedal intradermal injection of bovine type Ⅱ collagen emulsion

collagen-induced arthritis(CIA)model was established. To measure and observe the effect of compound Xuelian capsule on the ankle swelling of CIA rats

the synovial tissue was collected to observe the synovial histopathology of rats. The phlogistic cell factor tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and prostaglandin E2(PGE2) were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Result: In model group

the rat paw edema was significant compared with the normal control group(P<0.01). Compound Xuelian capsule could significantly decrease the arthritis swelling of CIA rats(P<0.05

P<0.01);in compound Xuelian capsule groups

it could improve the synovial tissue pathological damage

compared with the CIA model group

it could significantly reduce inflammatory cell infiltration and hyperemia of synovial tissue. After 14 days' administration

the level of TNF-α and PGE2 was significantly lower in the medium and high dose group of compound Xuelian capsule than that in the model group (P<0.05

P<0.01). Conclusion: Compound Xuelian capsule could inhibit the collagen-induced arthritis in rats

the mechanism action may be related to inhibiting the expression of inflammatory mediators TNF-α and PGE2.