Objective:To observe the effects of Capparis Spinosa fruits pain gel paste on serum levels of TNF-α,IL-1β,VEGF,and the expression of MMP-9 protein in synovium in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) rats and to explore its mechanism of anti-inflammation and cartilage protection in RA. MethodsA total of 40 rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, positive drug group and Capparis Spinosa group with 10 rats in each group. The rat model of RA was established by injecting complete Freund’s adjuvant into the sole of the foot. The positive drug group and Capparis Spinosa group were treated with Shangshi Zhitong Gao (adhesive plaster for removing dampness and relieving pain) and Capparis Spinosa fruits pain gel paste, the model group was treated with blank gel paste, and the normal group was not given any treatment. The continuous intervention lasting 21 days (3 courses) was conducted in each group. AI index score, foot volume and thermal pain threshold were observed. The levels of TNF-α,IL-1β and VEGF in serum were detected by ELISA, and the expression of MMP-9 protein in synovium was detected by Western blot.  Results:Compared with the normal group, inflammatory lesions and thermal pain threshold decreased in all the rats after modeling, and the levels of serum TNF-α,IL-1β and VEGF increased significantly in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01),and the expression of MMP-9 protein increased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the arthritis and thermal pain threshold sensitivity in the positive drug group and Capparis Spinosa group were significantly improved, the anti-swelling effect of Capparis Spinosa fruits pain gel paste was faster (7 days), and the serum VEGF level and the expression of MMP-9 protein in the synovium of rats reduced significantly (P<0.05) while there was no significant change in the positive drug group (P>0.05).  Conclusion:The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Capparis Spinosa fruits pain gel paste on rats may be related to the decrease of serum TNF-α, IL-1β and VEGF levels and the inhibition of the expression of MMP-9 in synovium.