Aim To inquire into the therapeutic effect of Shu Yao Lin granules (SYL), a modified traditional Chinese medicine, on prolapse
of lumbar intervertebral disc and the mechanism of its pharmacological action. Methods and Results (1) In animal experiments, it was demonstrated that SYL showed very low toxicity with maximal tolerant dose o f 12g/kg in mice, SYL significantly inhibited carrageenan-induced inflammatory edema in rat's paw, and significantly inhibited the increase of capillary permeability and abated the pain both induced by intraperitoneal injection of acetic acid into mice. SYL also decreased the whole blood viscosity and erythrocyte compression volume in mice. (2) Clinically, 61 cases of lumbar disc herniation were treated with SYL and the excellent-good rate reached 90. 3%. Conclusion SYL possesses various pharmacological actions, including anti-inflammation, relief of pain, and improvement in blood rheology, with better clinical therapeutic effect against lumbar disc herniaton.