The present invention relates to a herbal drug composition for cartilage protection comprising plant extracts of Clematis Radix, Trichosanthis Radix, and Prunellae Spica and an optimal content of rosmarinic acid to: (i) alleviate pains; (ii) inhibit the acute/chronic inflammation, platelet/whole blood aggregation, immunocyte (B-lymphcyte and T-lymphcyte) proliferation, inflammation-inducing enzyme activities, and enzyme activities associated with degradation of joint tissue; (iii) scavenge activity of toxic active oxygen radicals; and (iv) further provide excellent cartilage protection activity to be effectively used as an anti-inflammatory agent with analgesic effects, blood circulation enhancer, arthritis therapeutic agent and cartilage protective.