RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the antiarthritic effects and the possible mechanism of total saponins of Psammruosilene tunicoids (TSPT) against rheumatoid arthritis (RA).</p><p><b>METHOD</b>After establishing AA rat model, the TSPT'S antiarthritic effects and mechanism against RA were studied through observing the changes of ankle swelling, arthritis index and levels of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha after medication.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>TSPT could effectively inhibits articular swelling, decrease arthritis index and regulate down the content of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha in the inflammatory tissue soak of AA rats.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TSPT has good antiarthritic effects and the possible mechanism may be related to its down-regulation of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha.</p>