Objective To study the effect of the extract of total flavonoids of chrysanthemum indicum(TFC) on adjuvant arthritis synovial cells. Methods 0.1ml of the complete Freund’s adjuvant was subcutaneously injected into the right hind feet pads of the SD rats. 24 days after immunity synovial cells in knee joint were treated with TFC and inhibition of proliferation was measured with MTT assay. DNA fragmentations were analyzed with DNA gel electrophoresis. Fluorescence staining of Hoechst 33258 to observe apoptotic body. Results The IC50 of TFC on synovial cells was 112mg/L. DNA gel electrophoresis showed ladderlike strap. Apoptotic bodies were observed by Hoechst 33258.Conclusion TFC can inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in synovial cells, and exerts therapeutical effect on rheumstoid arthritis.