Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of western medicine antituberculosis （anti-TB） program combined with harmonizing and freeing treatment for tuberculous encapsulated pleural effusion. Methods Totally 118 cases of tuberculous encapsulated pleural effusion were randomized into the treatment group and control group

with 58 and 60 in each. Both groups were given the western medicine anti-TB program: 3HRZE/6HRE. The treatment group was added with harmonizing and freeing formula one dosage and twice daily for 3 months. The therapeutic effect

tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） level in the pleural effusion

pleural effusion absorption time and pleural thickness was observed in both groups before and after treatment. Results The pleural effusion absorption time in the treatment group i.e.（36.05±9.32）d

was significantly shorter than that in the control group i.e.（47.18±11.64）d after treatment （P<0.01）. The pleural thickness was significantly decreased in both groups after 1-month and 3-month treatment （P<0.05）

especially after 3-month treatment （P<0.05）. Comparing with the control group

the pleural thickness was significantly decreased in the treatment group after 1-month and 3-month treatment （P<0.05）. The TNF-α level in the treatment group i.e.（35.35±17.46）pg/L

was significantly lower than that in the control group i.e.（47.16±8.89）pg/L after 1-month treatment （P<0.05）. The significant efficacy of the treatment group and control group was 70.7% and 45% respectively

with a significant difference between groups （P<0.05）. Conclusion The western medicine anti-TB program combined with harmonizing and freeing treatment is effective for tuberculous encapsulated pleural effusion. It can shorten the time of the absorption of pleural effusion

decrease the concentration of TNF-α in the pleural effusion and reduce the pleural thickness.