OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of Kangfuxin liquid combined with Oral ulcer powder on inflammatory cytokines and therapeutic efficacy of recurrent aphthous ulcer. METHODS: 134 patients with recurrent aphthous ulcer were randomly divided into observation group and control group, with 67 cases in each group. Both groups received routine treatment; control group was additionally given Oral ulcer powder, q2 h; observation group was additionally given Kangfuxin liquid, 10 ml/time, gargling for 5-10 min and then swallowing slowly, tid. Treatment course of 2 groups lasted for 7 d. Clinical symptoms, serum inflammatory cytokines, clinical symptom improvement and recurrence were observed in 2 groups. RESULTS: Total effective rate of observation group was 95.52%, which was significantly higher than that of control group (82.09%), with statistical significance (P<0.05). The levels of TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 in observation group were significantly lower than those of control group, with statistical significance(P<0.05); ulcer duration and VAS score of observation group were significantly shorter or lower than those of control group, with statistical significance (P<0.05); after followed up for 6 months, recurrence rate of observation group (11.94%) was significantly lower than that of control group (31.34%), with statistical significance(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Kangfuxin liquid combined with Oral ulcer powder helps to lower levels of inflammatory cytokines of patients with recurrent aphthous ulcer, relieve the clinical symptoms, then improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce recurrence rate.