Through the retrospective research of the series of formulas applied in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment by contemporary doctors, determine core formulas so as to improve theoretical and clinical levels of Chinese medicine.Methods:Under the guidance of traditional pathogenesis and formula theory as well as modern research findings, perform statistic analysis on 340 RA-treating formulas reported in core medical journals/ TCM books of the past two decades.Results:Twenty five formulas were identified as core formulas, totaling 2073 usage and accumulative frequency (F) over 50%: 5 tonics (F=13.6%), 5 wind-dampness eliminating formulas (F=10.68%), 5 exterior releasing formulas (F=8.45%), 4 blood activating formulas (F=6.89%), 3 liver pacifying formulas (F=6.31%), 2 heat clearing formulas (F=2.77%), 1 urine promoting formulas (F=1.63%).Conclusion:TCM formulas of tonics, or wind-dampness eliminating, or exterior releasing, or blood activating functions are predominantly used in RA treatment, which provides theoretical basis for future RA treatment.