Objective To observe the effects of Capparis Spinosa L， moxibustion and their combination on serum levels of IL-17、 IL-6、 TGF-β、 IL-10 and IL-23 in AA rats， and to explore the mechanism of their regulation of Th17 and Treg-related cytokines. Methods Sixty rats were randomly divided into normal group， model group， positive drug group， Capparis Spinosa L group， moxibustion group and comprehensive group. AA model was established by subcutaneous injection of 0.1 mL Freund’s complete adjuvant into rat plantar. After the successful establishment of the model， the positive drug group was given methotrexate by gastric lavage， the prickly citrus group was given prickly citrus external application， the moxibustion group was given moxibustion with moxibustion sticks for mild moxibustion of Shenshu and Zusanli， and the comprehensive group was given combined treatment. Each group was treated for 3 courses（21 days）. AI index score and foot volume were observed at the end of each course. Serum levels of IL-17、 IL-6、 TGF-β、 IL-10 and IL-23 were measured by ELISA. Results After the establishment of the model， the joint swelling was obvious and Th17/Treg was imbalance. After treatment， the inflammation of rat’s plantar paw in each group was significantly improved， especially in comprehensive group on 7 days. Intervention treatment could reverse the levels of IL-17、 IL-6 and IL-10 in all groups（P＜0.01 or P＜0.05）. Only Capparis Spinosa L group and comprehensive group could significantly reduce the levels of IL-23（P<0.01 or P<0.05）. There was no significant change in the levels of TGF-βin all groups. Conclusion The anti-inflammatory effect of Capparis Spinosa L group and comprehensive group is rapid. Th17/Treg of immune cells can be dynamically balanced by the methods of Capparis Spinosa L， moxibustion and comprehensive treatment， among which Capparis Spinosa L and comprehensive treatment are more advantageous.