Objective: Galuteolin (Galu) is a substance extracted and purified from honeysuckle. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of Galu on the TNF-α-induced RA-FLS cells (synoviocytes) and reveal its potential molecular mechanism from the perspectives of anti-apoptosis and anti-inflammation.Methods: After TNF-α stimulation, cell proliferation of RA-FLS was assessed by CCK-8 assay. TUNEL staining was used to detect the apoptosis. Western Blot was used to detect the expressions of Iκκβ, p-p65, p65, p-IκB, IκB, Cleaved-caspase3, Caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Bax. HO-1 were determined by RT-PCR. The contents of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and MMP-1 were determined by ELISA.Results: Galu significantly suppressed cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, Galu obviously promote cell apoptosis rate of RA-FLS cells and elevated the expression levels of HO-1, caspase-3 and Bax, while reduced the expression level of Bcl-2. Furthermore, Galu apparently inhibited the levels of Iκκβ, p-p65 and p-IκB. Moreover, Galu also significantly reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and MMP-1 in RA-FLS cells. Conclusion: Galuteolin exerts protective effects against TNF-α-induced RA-FLS cells by inhibiting apoptosis and inflammation, which can guide the clinical use of rheumatoid arthritis.