Abstract:

Objective：To observe effects of Wang-bi detoxification herbal medication on T-lymphocyte subgroups of patients with
Rheumatoid Arthritis, and to explore the mechanism of it efficacy. Methods：A comparative study was conducted among 200 patients
including inpatients and outpatients who were divided into two groups randomly. 100 patients in the control group took Indometacin
Enteric-coated Tablets with 25 mg every time and once a day, and Methotrexate Tablets with 7.5 mg every time and once a week, while
100 patients in the treatment group took Wang-bi detoxification herbal medication with 200 mL each time and twice a day. After two
courses of eight weeks, we compared CD4 + and CD8 + of the two groups before and after the treatment. Results：There was no
significant difference with regard to the comparison of CD4+ and CD8+ of each group before the treatment（P＞0.05）. However, after
the treatment both of the groups had a lower CD4+ and a higher CD8 and a lower ratio of CD4+ to CD8+. Comparison between the two
groups also showed no significant difference（P＞0.05）. Conclusion：Patients with RA has an autoimmune disorder. Wang- bi
detoxification herbal medication can help the distribution of their T-lymphocyte subsets and help them keep a stable immune system,
and can have a similar immunosuppressive effect as that produced by the therapy of MTX in combination with other medicines.

Key words: rheumatoid arthritis, Wang-bi detoxification herbal medication, T-lymphocyte subgroups