Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of herbal fumigation and steaming for rheumatoid arthritis(RA) and to explore its anti-inflammation mechanism.Methods Twenty-two RA patients were randomized into two groups: group A(N=10) received meloxican and methotrexate,and group B(N=12) received herbal fumigation and steaming of Xunzheng Prescription(mainly composed of Rhizoma et Radix Notopterygii,Radix Angelicae Pubescentis,Radix Saposhnikoviae,Ramulus Cinnamomi,Herba Asari,Rhizoma Chuanxiong,Caulis Piperis Kadsurae,Radix Cynanchi Paniculati,Rhizoma Curcumae Longae,Lignum Sappan,Borneolum Syntheticum) additionally.The treatment lasted 20 days.The changes of joint symptoms and signs,erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR) and C-reactive protein(CRP) were observed before and after treatment.Serum tumornecrosis factor ?(TNF-?) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1(ICAM-1) contents were detected by enzymelinked immunoassay.Results Compared with group A,joint pain and tenderness index as well as morning stiffness time were improved in group B (P

Objective To study traditional Chinese herb fumigation and steaming in treating AA model rats and the change of IL-1? in serum and joint, and explore its mechanism. Method Fifty Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, aqua group, high dose group, low dose group. Except normal group and the right foot of rats were injected CFA 0.1 mL to make AA model. Aqua group, high dose group and low dose group received steam treatment for 10 days. In the 21st day, the content of IL-1? in serum and the expression level in joint were detected. Results Traditional Chinese herb fumigation and steaming group had notable reduction the IL-1? content in serum and strong positive expression of IL-1? in joint than model group. Conclusion Traditional Chinese herb fumigation and steaming can down-regulate the level of IL-1? in serum and restrain IL-1? expression in joint.

To observe the efficacy of fumigation with Fumigant I formula, a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, in treating adjuvant arthritis (AA) in rats and to explore its anti-inflammation mechanism.