Objective To observe the influence of Bugan Jianyao Fang (Liver-tonifying Lumbarinvigorating Decoction) on expressions of intervertebral disc matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in rats with lumbar disc degeneration.Methods SD rats (n =75) were randomly divided into sham-operation group,model group,Yaobitong (Waist Impediment-Freeing Capsules) group,doxycycline (DOX) group and Bugan Jianyao Fang group (each n =15).Mter establishing successfully the model of lumbar disc degeneration in rats,all groups were,respectively,given orally Yaobitong,DOX and Bugan Jianyao Fang.The expressions of intervertebral disc MMP-3 and TIMP-1 were detected in all group after and 20 d and 4 d after intervention.Results After intervention for 20 d and 40 d,the expressions of intervertebral disc MMP-3 and TIMP-1 decreased in Yaobitong group,DOX group and Bugan Jianyao Fang group compared with model group (P ＜0.05).The difference in expressions of intervertebral disc MMP-3 and TIMP-1 had statistical significance in Yaobitong group,DOX group and Bugan Jianyao Fang group after intervention compared with those in the same groups before intervention (P ＜ 0.05).The comparison among Bugan Jianyao Fang group,Yaobitong group and DOX group showed that the difference had no statistical significance (P ＞ 0.05) at all time points.Conclusion Bugan Jianyao Fang can reduce the expressions of intervertebral disc MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in rats with lumbar disc degeneration,which may be one of mechanisms of Bugan Jianyao Fang preventing and curing lumbar disc degeneration.