title: The Chinese anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive herbal remedy Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F.
abstract: Various preparations of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF) have been used in the treatment of a number of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases since the 1960s. Accumulated data from the clinical trials suggest efficacy of this treatment in a number of rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Studies on the relationship of the chemical components of TwHF and its immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects suggest that diterpenoid compounds with epoxide groups account for the therapeutic effects of this herbal remedy. This herbal remedy is therefore a unique and powerful alternative therapy for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
authors.affiliation: Harold C. Simmons Arthritis Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, USA.
authors.forename: X
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Tao
authors.forename: P E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Lipsky
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D013256:Steroids
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D013256:Steroids