ObjectivesThis study was to investigate the effects of Yuhyangjeongtong-san on the carrageenin-induced acute inflammation and adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. MethodsAcute inflammation was induced by injection of 2% carrageenin 0.15 ml into right hind foot of rats. Control group was carrageenin injected and taken distilled water, treated group was carrageenin injected and taken Yuhyangjeongtong-san by orally once. 2 hours after injection, plantar temperature and paw volume were measured. 3 hours after, counts of white blood cell (WBC) were performed. Arthritis was induced by injection of complete freund’s adjuvant (CFA) into base of tail. Control group was CFA injected and taken distilled water, treated group was CFA injected and taken Yuhyangjeongtong-san by orally for 10 days. 0,5,10 day, body weight, thickness of ankle joint and paw edema were measured. 10 day, counts of WBC, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) level were analysed. Histochemical study of NADPH-d and immunohistochemical study of c-fos were performed. ResultsIn the carrageenin-induced acute inflammation, neutrophils of treated group were significantly decreased compared with control group. In the adjuvant-induced arthritis, paw edema, total counts of WBC and TNF-α level in paw exudates were significantly decreased compared with control group, and the number of c-fos positive neurons of treated group was significantly decreased compared with control group. ConclusionsOn the basis of these results, we concluded that Yuhyangjeongtong-san have anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory effects. (J Korean Med Rehab 2013;23(3):55-68)