Abstract: OBJECTIVE To explore the curative effect of Tongluo decoction on luber intervertebral disc herniation(LIDH) in rats. METHODS The 48 rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: normal group, model group, positive control group, Tongluo decoction high, middle and low dose groups. Non-compressive animal model of lumbar nucleus pulposus prolapse were established by operation. Pain threshold was determined by hot plate method. Clotting time was detected by slide method. Changes of hemorheology were detected by hemorheometer. The level of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), prostaglandins 2(PGE₂) and nitric oxide(NO), nitric oxide synthase(NOS) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Pathological changes of nerve root were observed by pathological detection. RESULTS In rats with LIDH, the pain threshold decreased; clotting time shorten, blood viscosity increased; the level of inflammatory cytokines such as NO, NOS, TNF-α and PGE₂ rised, and the inflammatory infiltrates were observed in nerve root tissue. Tongluo decoction could ameliorate those symptoms, presented as increasing pain threshold; prolonging clotting time; lowering blood viscosity; inhibiting inflammatory cytokines(NO, NOS, TNF-α and PGE₂) in serum and reducing the inflammatory cell infiltration in the nerve root tissue. CONCLUSION The curative effect of Tongluo decoction on LIDH in rats may be associated with its ability of anti-inflammatory, analgesic action; improve blood circulation, and degrade the level of inflammatory factors(NO, NOS, TNF-α and PGE₂).