| abstract |
A Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F preparation having an improved LD 50 in mice, an improved therapeutic activity:toxic index ratio and a lower amount of triptolide as compared to previous preparations is disclosed. The LD 50 in mice of the T. wilfordii preparation is greater than about 860 mg/kg, the therapeutic activity:toxic index ratio is greater than about 2.6×10 -3 , and the amount of triptolide is less than about 1.3 μg/mg. The preparation is useful for immunosuppression, in particular, the suppression of primary antibody response and suppression of autoimmune disease and for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. |