Objective :
The aim of present study is to examine the effect and mechanism of Erycibae Caulis and Corydalis Tuber Pharmacopuncture(ECP) on collagen induced rheumatoid arthritis mouse model.

Method :
We evaluated the AST, ALT, Creatinine, BUN of serum and cell viability of EC extract in RAW 264.7 cells to examine the stability of this study.
In vitro, we measured total phenol and flavonoid contents, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity of EC to examine an anti-oxidant capacity, and we also measured the effect of EC extract on NO, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and GM-CSF production in RAW 264.7 cells to examine an anti-inflammatory efficacy.
In vivo, we compared the rheumatoid arthritis manifestation between control and experimental group and evaluated the AI. Also, immune cells in blood affected by ECP were evaluated by calculating the level of WBC, neutrophil, lympocyte and monocyte. Next, the level of IgM, IgG, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α and GM-CSF in serum were measured.
We examined the imaging of cartilage degeneration using micro CT-arthrography of paw hind. Additionally we examined the effects of reducing BV ratio, BS/BV ratio with 3D Micro-CT. Finally, we examined histopathologic examination analysis.

Results :
1. The absence of liver, kidney toxicity and cytotoxicity against RAW 264.7 cells was presented.

2. In vitro
1) Total phenol contents and total flavonoid contents in EC extract were presented in high level.
2) DPPH free radical scavenging activity and ABTS cation radical scavenging activity increased according to the concentration of EC extract.
3) NO production decreased significantly in EC extract(at 1, 10, 100 ㎍/㎖). TNF-α production decreased significantly in EC extract(at 1, 100 ㎍/㎖). IL-1β, IL-6, GM-CSF production also decreased but there were no statistical significance.

3. In vivo
1) Edema of the joints decreased greatly in macroscopic observation. AI measurement also decreased significantly.
2) The level of WBC, neutrophil, lympocyte, monocyte in the blood decreased but there were no statistical significance.
3) IgM decreased significantly, and IgG decreased without statistical significance.
4) IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and GM-CSF production decreased significantly. IL-17 production decreased but there was no statistical significance.

4. As a result of examining joint condition with 3D micro CT, deformation and destruction of the joint decreased. Bone density increased with statistical significance. Degree of joint inflammation decreased significantly.

5. After H&E and M-T staining, infiltration of immune cells, subsidence of the cartilage, damage to the synovial cells and joint erosion decreased.

Conclusions :
This study showed that EC extract had anti-oxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory efficacy. ECP also obstructed the process of rheumatoid arthritis and protected joint and cartilage.

Key words : Erycibae Caulis, Corydalis Tuber, Phamacopuncture, Rheumatoid arthritis