The Chinese anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive herbal remedy Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F

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 t his treatment in a number of rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthr itis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Studies on the relationship of the c hemical 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 theref ore a unique and powerful alternative therapy fur autoimmune and inflammato ry diseases.