Cytokines are divided into three families: the Interleukin (IL), the interferons (IFN) and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF). The proinflammatory cytokines IL1-β and TNF-α are present at high levels in arthritic joints in humans and in animals, and play a fundamental role in inflammatory processes. The anti-arthritic effect of bioactive substances, vegetable or from synthetic origin, has been tested in models of adjuvant-induced arthritis and the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators is the preferred method to demonstrate the therapeutic value of adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA). This review aims to relate these tested substances, analyze and discuss the method used to confirm the anti-arthritic activity through rates of proinflammatory cytokines. The IL-1β and TNF play dominant roles in mediating the progression of many inflammatory joint diseases and are essential for the appearance of secondary signs of arthritic models in AIA. Studies show that anti-inflammatory cytokines inhibit the proinflammatory response and show positive results in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. In AIA an intraperitoneal and oral administration are preferred for testing with bioactive substances. The tested substances had concentrations ranging from 1 to 1000 mg / kg for oral administration, and 0.5 to 10 mg/kg intraperitoneally, and doses greater than 500mg/kg were also identified. Values for intramuscular and subcutaneous doses were found ranging between 0.04 and 0.9 mg / kg. To demonstrate suppression of proinflammatory cytokines in AIA is a concern of the scientific community to develop new drugs with maximum efficiency and low toxicity.