Systematic pharmacological evaluation of material basis for the efficacy of Chinese herbal formula is one of the key issues in Chinese materia medica(CMM),which is in urgent need of solution.However,its scientific connotation is still controversial in academic circles.The material basis for the efficacy of Chinese herbal formula is the total non-endogenous bioactive compound(derived either directly or indirectly from this formula) exerting the therapeutic effects,which is generated by the interaction of the formula with human body and reaches certain concentration in the target organs or tissues.Systematic evaluation of material basis for the efficacy of Chinese herbal formula is the cornerstone of modernization and internationalization of CMM,while the quality control of CMM is its prerequisite.

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Xiezhuo Zhubi Decoction combined with Etoricoxib for the treatment of acute gout arthritis.Methods Seventy acute gout arthritis patients were randomly divided into treatment group and control group,35 cases in each group.Based on the fundamental treatment,the control group were given oral use of Etoricoxib and the treatment group was treated with Xiezhuo Zhubi Decoction combined with Etoricoxib.The treatment for both group lasted for 7 days.Before and after treatment,the changes of blood uric acid,C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in both groups were observed.After treatment,the clinical efficacy was evaluated,and the toxic and adverse effects were also monitored.Results (1) In the treatment group,the total effective rate was 91.4％;in the control group,the total effective rate was 71.4％.There were significant differences between the two groups(P ＜ 0.05).(2) After treatment,blood uric acid,C-reactive protein and blood sedimentation rate were much improved in both groups (P ＜ 0.05 compared with those before treatment),and the treatment group had better effect on improving blood uric acid and C-reactive protein(P ＜ 0.05).(3) The control group had 3 cases of nausea,while no adverse reactions occurred in the treatment group.Conclusion Xiezhuo Zhubi Decoction combined with Etoricoxib is effective for the treatment of acute gout arthritis,and its effects on relieving clinical symptoms and decreasing blood uric acid and erythrocyte sedimentation rate are better than Etoricoxib alone.