Objective To observe the efficacy of Wuteng Ercao decoction in treating active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its effects on the levels of cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α).Methods Sixty-five patients with active RA were randomly divided into treatment group (33 cases) and control group (32 cases). Patients in the control group were administered with methotrexate tablets 10 mg, oral taking, once a week;hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets 200 mg, oral taking, twice a day;diclofenac sodium sustained release tablets 75 mg, oral taking, twice a day. Patients in the treatment group were administered with Wuteng Ercao decoction additionally, oral taking, three times a day. The treatment lasted for 12 weeks. The changes and untoward effects of various clinical and laboratory indicators were observed before and after treatment.Results After treatment, the tender joint count, swollen joint count, patient’s global assessment, and physician’s global assessment were improved (P<0.05), with statistical significance between the two groups (P<0.05). The levels of ESR, CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α decreased significantly after treatment (P<0.05), but those were more significantly in treatment group (P<0.05). There were 2 cases with untoward effects in the treatment group and 1 case in the control group (P>0.05).Conclusion Wuteng Ercao decoction is effective in patients with active RA and it can reduce the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α.