Objective: To observe pharmacodynamic effects and mechanism of simplified Qingluo Tongbi prescription (SQLT). Method: The model of rheumatoid arthritis was induced by collagen Ⅱ in DBA/1 mice. The mice were randomly divided into blank group

collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) group

SQLT group (8.4 g· kg-1)

original Qingluo Tongbi prescription (QLT) group (13 g· kg-1) and polyglucosides of Triplegium wilfordii (T Ⅱ) group (9 mg· kg-1). General conditions and joint swelling were observed. All groups were treated with corresponding drugs through the intragastric administration for four weeks. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β)

tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)

anti collagen Ⅱ(CⅡ) antibody in serum were measured

and hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was conducted to observe the histopathologic changes and pathological score of ankle tissues. Result: Compared with the normal group

the model group showed significant joint swelling and increases in TNF-α

IL-1β and anti CⅡ antibody

with high ankle osteoarthritis scores (P<0.01).Compared with the CIA group

QLT

SQLT and T Ⅱ groups showed notable reductions in the paws swelling

arthritis scores

contents of IL-1β

TNF-α and anti CⅡ antibody in serum (P<0.01

P<0.05)

and inhibition in the histological damage and cumulative arthritis injury scores. Conclusion: SQLT rationally integrates herbs with different properties

tastes and efficacies

with a similar effect and mechanism with the original prescription.