Thunder God Vine, also known as Tripterygium wilfordii, is a climbing vine native to Southeast China. Traditionally used in Chinese medicine, its leaves and root have been studied for various potential health benefits but also carry significant risks and side effects.
Health Benefits:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Some research suggests it may improve pain, swelling, and physical function in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Celastrol and triptolide isolated from thunder god vine are believed to be effective against rheumatoid arthritis. Celastrol targets numerous signaling pathways involving NF‑κB, endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‑ATPase, myeloid differentiation factor 2, toll‑like receptor 4, pro‑inflammatory chemokines, DNA damage, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. While triptolide, inhibits NF‑κB, the receptor activator of NF‑κB (RANK)/RANK ligand/osteoprotegerin signaling pathway, cyclooxygenase‑2, matrix metalloproteases and cytokines. (1) But evidence is limited and inconclusive.
- Other Conditions: Studies have explored its potential benefits for Crohn's disease, kidney problems, mouth sores, and eye issues in thyroid disease, but results are preliminary and require further investigation.
Side Effects:
- Serious Risks: Thunder God Vine can be extremely toxic if improperly prepared or used in high doses. Side effects include digestive problems, abnormal heart rates, high blood pressure, decreased blood cell production, kidney damage, bone mineral loss, infertility, menstrual cycle changes, rashes, diarrhea, headache, and hair loss.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Completely avoid due to birth defect risks.
Popularity in the US:
- Not Popular: Due to its safety concerns and lack of conclusive evidence for most claimed benefits, Thunder God Vine is not widely used or recommended in the US.
- Legal Status: The FDA hasn't approved it as a safe or effective medication.
Important Note:
- Consult a Doctor: Before considering any herbal supplement, including Thunder God Vine, consult a healthcare professional to discuss potential risks and interactions with other medications you might be taking.
Remember, prioritizing safety and evidence-based medicine is crucial when managing health concerns.
REFERENCE
1. Xingiang Song et al, Therapeutic targets of thunder god vine (Tripterygium wilfordii hook) in rheumatoid arthritis (Review), Mol Med Rep. 2022 Jun;21(6):2303-2310.
2. T Allard et al, Mechanisms of herb-induced nephrotoxicity, Curr Med Che. 2013;20(22):2812-9.
3. Heng Xu et al, Celastrol suppresses colorectal cancer via covalent targeting peroxiredoxin 1, Singnal Transduct Target Ther. 2023 Feb 3;8(1):51.
4. Haoran Zhang et al, Triptolide leads to hepatic intolerance to exogenous lipopolysaccharide and natural-killer-cell mediated hepatocellular damage by inhibiting MHC class I molecules. Phytomedicine, 2023 Jan:109:154621.
5. Kevin Liaw et al, Systemic dendrimer delivery of triptoide to tumor-associated macrophages improves anti-tumor efficacy and reduces systemic toxicity in glioblastomas, J Control Release, 2021 Jan 10:329:434-444.
6. Runping Liu et al, Toxicity of traditional Chinese medicine herbal and mineral products, Adv Pharmacol. 2020:87:301-346.