| Ankylosing spondylitis is a systematic disease characterized by the chronic inflammation of the spine and the related joints. The disease develops occultly, and in the later stage it results in the deformity of the spine and the restriction of the activity. The conventional medicine including NSAIDs, anti-rheumatoid drugs, and glucocorticoids has limited effect and the prognosis is poor. At present, the prevention of ankylosing spondylitis with Chinese medicine has been successful, and its important role has attracted the attention of the scholars. In experimental study and clinical application, Chinese medicine inhibits fibroblasts, regulates BMP/Smads signal channel, and adjusts the immune function, inflammatory factors, and antioxidants. This paper summarizes the research progress of TCM prevention and treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. |