Objective To systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Gegen-Qinlian decoction in treating ulcerative colitis.Methods We searched Cochrane Library, PubMed, CNKI, VIP, CBM and Wanfang online Data bases June, 2017. All of the randomized controlled trials(RCTs) of Gegen-Qinlian decoction compared with sulfasalazine in treating for ulcerative colitis were searched. The quality of RCTs meeting inclusion criteria was evaluated and the data were extracted; meta-analyses were performed with RevMan 5.3 software, and then the GRADE system was used to rate the level of evidence and strength of recommendation.Results Totally 5 RCTs were included into the study. The group treated withGegen-Qinlian decoction or combined with sulfasalazine was superior to the control group in total effective rate (RR=1.18, 95％ CI(1.06-1.30),P=0.002). There were no significant differences between the two groups in clinical symptom curative effect [RR=1.09, 95％CI (0.72-1.64), P=0.69], adverse reactions [RR=0.11, 95％ CI (0.01-1.92),P=0.13], Symptom curative effect [RR=1.33, 95％CI (0.95-1.88),P=0.10], mucosal lesions curative effect [RR=1.33, 95％CI(0.95-1.88), P=0.10]. Based on the GRADE system, the level of total effective rate and adverse reactions evidence was Grade C, and the strength of recommendation was 2. the level of the rest of the evidence was Grade D.Conclusions Compared with sulfasalazine,Gegen-Qinliandecoction or combined with sulfasalazine can be used as a treatment option.