Effect of Icariin on apoptosis and expression of Fas, Fas ligand, B cell lymphoma, and Bcl-2-associated X protein in CD4 + T lymphocytes from patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Icariin induces the apoptosis of CD4 + T cells from patients with AS comparing to normal control. Therefore, the induction of apoptosis may be the likely mechanism of action of icariin's antirheumatics activities.