Objective To observe the effect of Rebi Decoction（Decoction for Hot Bi Syndrome）on active rheumatoid arthritis（RA）.Methods The 96 RA patients meeting the standard of diagnosis were randomized into treatment group of 58 cases treated with Rebi Decoction and control group of 38 cases treated with leflunomide tablets and placebo decoction.The effect was evaluated with the indices of clinical symptoms（morning stiffness

severity and number of painful joints

severity and number of swelling joints）

lab tests such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate（ESR）

C-reactive protein（CRP）

rheumatoid factor（RF）

immunoglobulin

and safety.Results The total effective rate of the treatment group was 86.21% and that of control group was 68.42%

with significant difference between（P<0.05）.In relieving the symptoms

both groups were good

while the result of relieving the morning stiffness

hands gripping

20 meters walking

severity and number of painful joints

and severity of swelling joints in the treatment group was better and that in the control group（P<0.05 or P<0.01）.Both groups were good in improving the above lab indices except IgA

and the treatment group was better than the control group（P<0.01）.Conclusion Rebi Decoction for RA is effective.