Objective To explore the possible action mechanism of Ziyin Qingre Formula（ 滋阴清热方） in treating systemic lupus erythematosus. Methods Thirty lupus mice were randomly divided into a Chinese medicine group

a lipopolysaccharide group and a model group

with 10 mice in each. Other 10 normal C57BL/6JN healthy mice were taken as the blank group. The Chinese medicine group was given 20 g/（ kg·d） of Ziyin Qingre Formula for gavage

once per day; the lipopolysaccharide group was given 8 mg/kg of lipopolysaccharide for intraperitoneal injection

once every two days; and the model and the normal group were given equivalent sterilized distilled water for gavage

once every day. Each group was treated for 6 weeks. Expressions of protein of cysteine containing aspartate 1（ Caspase-1） and interleukin 1β（ IL-1β）

mRNA of nucleotide binding oligomerization domain like receptor 3（ NLRP3）

Caspase-1 and IL-1β in kidney tissues of mice in each group were examined. Results Compared with those in the blank group

expression of protein of Caspase-1 and IL-1β

as well as mRNA of NLRP3

Caspase-1 and IL-1βin kidney tissues of mice in the model group increased（ P < 0. 05）. Compared with that in the model group

expression of IL-1β protein and mRNA decreased in the Chinese medicine group

but increased in the lipopolysaccharide group（ P < 0. 05）. There was no significant difference in Caspase-1 and NLRP3 mRNA expression between the Chinese medicine group and the model group（ P > 0. 05）. Conclusion Ziyin Qingre Formula could decrease pyroptosis and inflammatory factors

which may be one of its action mechanisms in treating systemic lupus erythematosus.