Archyranthes radix has had extensive therapeutic application, and there has been increasing interest in its biological effects. However, the biochemical effects of Archyranthes radix on chondrocyte oxidative stress have never been systematically investigated. Therefore, we investigated the effects of Acyranthes radix on role of MAPK signal transduction pathway on oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide in rat articular chondrocytes. The statistically significant inhibitory action of Archyranthes radix on cell proliferation was observed at above $5{mu}g/m{ell}$. Next, we examined the time-dependent effect of $5{mu}g/m{ell}$ Archyranthes radix on cell proliferaion. Archyranthes radix significantly inhibited cell proliferation from 12 hr after treatment (P<0.05). $H_2O_2$, resulted in a time- and dose-dependent cell proliferation, which was largely attributed to oxidative damage. Acyranthes radix and $H_2O_2$ treatment caused marked sustained activation of phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Moreover, the synergistic phosphorylation of p44/42 MAPK by $H_2O_2$ and Archyranthes radix was selectively inhibited by PD 98059, a p44/42 MAPK inhibitor. In conclusion, these results are consistent with the hypothesis that under conditions of oxidative stress, the $H_2O_2$-induced inhibition of cell proliferation in the rat chondrocyte is mediated through a modulation of the Archyranthes radix signaling pathway, promoting further phosphorylation of p44/42 MAPK, indicating a potentially important role in cartilage repair and in the treatment of osteoarthritic cartilage.