Abstract: This invention relates to an NF-.kappa.B activity inhibitor which contains alkaloids originated from a plant belonging to the genus Stephania of the family Menspermaceae, derivatives thereof and salts thereof, as the active components, to an agent for use in the treatment and prevention of diseases upon which the NF-.kappa.B activity inhibiting action is effective and to an inhibitor of the expression of related genes. Since said active components exert an action to inhibit transcription of DNA having an NF-.kappa.B recognition sequence by inhibiting the activity of NF-.kappa.B, the drug of the present invention can inhibit expression of genes of certain substances such as cytokines, inflammatory cytokine receptor antagonists, MHC class I, MHC class II, .beta.

Abstract: An anti-AIDS virus composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of cepharanthine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a method for treating AIDS which comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of cepharanthine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof are disclosed.