Objective: To study the effect of Jiawei Duhuo Jisheng decoction in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats. Method: Ninety male SPF Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the model control group

the leflunomide group (ig

10 mL·kg-1)

and the low-

medium-

high-dosage groups of Jiawei Duhuo Jisheng decoction (ig

11

22

44 g·kg-1) of 6 rats each group. The CIA model was established except rats in the model control group by injection of 0.2 mg complete Freund's adjuvant at the end of the tail of rats. The rats in normal model group were given the same dosage of distilled water. All rats received oral administration of corresponding medicines once daily for 12 weeks. The body weight

arthritis index (AI)

paw index

joint pathological changes of rats were observed at 0

2

4

6

8

10 and 12 weeks after treatment. Result: The AI of rats in the low-

medium-

high-dosage Jiawei Duhuo Jisheng decoction groups and the leflunomide group have significant improvement

there was statistically significant difference as compared with that in the model control group (P<0.05

P<0.01). The body weight

paw index changes were significantly improved after treatment than the model control group (P<0.05

P<0.01). The ankle joint cartilage pathological had an improvement in the high-dosage Jiawei Duhuo Jisheng decoction groups as compared with the control model group. Conclusion: Jiawei Duhuo Jisheng decoction can significantly improve the joint arthritis of CIA rats

which is an effective prescription used for treating rheumatoid arthritis.