Abstract： Objective： To observe the effect of Baihu Jia Guizhi tang on degree of joint swelling and inflammatory cytokines in the rat models with acute gouty arthritis （AGA) induced by urate crystal， and to discuss its mechanism. Methods：A total of 32 Wistar rats were randomly divided into the control group，the model group，the colchicine group， and the group of Baihu Jia Guizhi tang，8 rats in each group. Except those in the control group，rats in the other three groups were given the injection of urate crystal into the ankle joint to induce the AGA model. After successful model establishment， the colchicine group was given gastric perfusion with colchicine suspension；the group of Baihu Jia Guizhi tang was given gastric perfusion with Baihu Jia Guizhi tang；the control group and the model group were given gastric perfusion with normal saline of same volume. The diameter of right ankle joint of rats was measured at each time point. The expression levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β)，tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)，cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2)，and nitric oxide(NO) in soft tissue of joint were detected. Results： When compared with those in the control group， the diameter of right ankle joint and the expression levels of TNF-α，IL-1β，COX-2，and NO in soft tissue of joint in the model group were significantly increased (P＜0.05). When compared with those in the model group， the diameter of right ankle joint and the expression levels of TNF-α，IL-1β，COX-2，and NO in soft tissue of joint in the colchicine group and the group of Baihu Jia Guizhi tang were significantly decreased(P＜0.05)； there was no significant difference being found in the comparison of each index above between the group of Baihu Jia Guizhi tang and the colchicine group(P＞0.05). Conclusion： Baihu Jia Guizhi tang can significantly relieve joint swelling of AGA rats and inflammatory response，and inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors， namely，IL-1β，TNF-α，COX-2，and NO.