Objective: To investigate the effect of madecassoside on interleukin-6(IL-6) production from synovial fibroblasts (FLS). Method: The rat adjuvant arthritis model was established by cultivating the original generation of FLS in rats. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) was used to induce the expression of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) in FLS. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to detect FLS inflammatory factor levels of IL-6.Real time PCR method was used for detection of IL-6 and IL-1 mRNA expression. Western bloting method was used for mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways

protein kinase C (PKC) protein

and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) protein expression. Result: Our results showed that IL-1β (10 μg·L-1) significantly increased the production of IL-6

and mRNA of IL-6

the activation of MAPK

PKC

and CREB which was relative to the synthesis of IL-6.Madecassoside (1

5

10

20 μmol·L-1) concentration-dependently decreased the production of IL-6 from FLS due to IL-1β. Conclusion: The mechanisms probably involve the inhibition of MAPK activation

PKC phosphorylation.