Thunder god vine
Specifically for Lupus
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Why it works for Lupus:
Immunomodulatory & anti-inflammatory actions. Key constituents (notably triptolide and celastrol) suppress inflammatory pathways relevant to SLE—e.g., down-regulating NF-κB–mediated cytokines and TLR4 signaling, and broadly inhibiting T-cell activation. These mechanisms are consistently reported in pharmacology reviews. Spandidos Publications
Kidney (lupus nephritis) rationale. Network-pharmacology work focused on lupus nephritis suggests TwHF hits multiple targets implicated in LN pathobiology (a “multi-target” profile), which fits the complex, immune-driven nature of the disease. While mechanistic, these papers help explain why some clinical signals have been seen. Wiley Online Library
Traditional/clinical use context. NCCIH (NIH) notes oral TwHF has shown potential benefits in some kidney disorders and autoimmune conditions, although it stresses that evidence quality is often low to moderate and not definitive. NCCIH
How to use for Lupus:
Preparations used in studies/clinical practice: Most human studies use Tripterygium glycosides tablets (TGT/TWP) or defined TwHF extracts (e.g., “T2” extract). Product potency varies by manufacturer and region; there is no globally standardized OTC dose. Drugs.com
Oral dosing ranges reported in clinical references: Adult doses of 30–120 mg/day of TwHF extract (by mouth) for up to 6 months appear across clinical compendia; some rheumatology trials dose ~20–60 mg/day divided (product-specific). This is a reference range, not a personal recommendation. Drugs.com
Combination therapy (typical in LN studies): In lupus nephritis trials, TwHF extracts are often added to corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone) and sometimes other immunosuppressants, rather than used alone. Protocols vary by center and study. ICHGCP
Monitoring that’s commonly advised: Baseline and periodic CBC (for leukopenia), liver enzymes, renal function, and pregnancy testing/contraception; counsel on fertility risks (see warnings). This monitoring mirrors safety signals summarized by NIH and pharmacovigilance reviews. NCCIH
Scientific Evidence for Lupus:
Systematic review & meta-analysis (2023): Pooled randomized trials of Tripterygium glycosides tablets (TGT) in SLE reported improved disease activity measures with TGT (often as add-on therapy), while emphasizing the need for better-quality trials and vigilant safety monitoring. (Open-access full text.) Frontiers
Meta-analysis focused on LN/SLE (English-indexed abstract, 2022): Reviews of TGT for lupus nephritis suggest possible improvements in proteinuria and serologic markers when combined with standard care, but conclude larger, high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm efficacy and safety. journaltcm.cn
Trial records for LN (designs from multicenter centers in China): Open-label, randomized protocols testing glucocorticoids + TwHF “T2” extract vs. standard regimens in lupus nephritis (24-week courses). These entries document real-world dosing frameworks and safety endpoints, though published results are limited in English. ICHGCP
Mechanistic translational studies in LN: Network-based and bioinformatic analyses map TwHF compounds to immune and inflammatory pathways relevant to LN—supporting biological plausibility rather than proving clinical benefit. Wiley Online Library
Specific Warnings for Lupus:
Toxicity is real and dose-limiting. Reported adverse effects include GI upset, liver injury, kidney injury, lowered white blood cell counts, dizziness/headache, and skin reactions; rare deaths have been reported (likely product/dose related). NCCIH
Reproductive toxicity / infertility: Male and female fertility can be impaired (testicular and ovarian toxicity documented). Effects may persist beyond use; contraception is strongly advised during therapy and for a period after stopping. SAGE Journals
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Contraindicated in pregnancy due to risk of birth defects; insufficient safety data for lactation—avoid. NCCIH
Immunosuppression: TwHF has immunosuppressive activity; combining with other immunosuppressants can increase infection risk and bone-marrow suppression—requires clinician oversight. WebMD
Drug interactions: Potential interactions via CYP3A4/CYP1A2 metabolism; caution with drugs metabolized by these pathways and with other immunosuppressants. WebMD
Product quality matters: Only processed, peeled-root extracts should be used; raw/unprocessed parts are poisonous. Regulatory agencies warn against unlicensed products containing lei gong teng due to serious risks (liver, kidney, immune, blood, heart; fertility). NCCIH
Adverse-event rates: A quantitative evidence synthesis across >23,000 TwHF users estimated overall adverse events at ~27%, with notable rates of GI symptoms (~13%) and reproductive adverse outcomes (~12%) (varied by study type). Frontiers
General Information (All Ailments)
What It Is
Thunder god vine (Tripterygium wilfordii) is a climbing plant used in traditional Chinese medicine. Extracts from its root and bark contain bioactive diterpenoids such as triptolide and triptolidenol, and glycosides such as triptolidenone, which are responsible for its strong immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory actions. In modern research it has been studied for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel conditions).
How It Works
Thunder god vine is not a mild herbal — its actives have drug-like immunosuppressive potency. Triptolide inhibits activation of key immune and inflammatory pathways (NF-κB, STAT, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17) and suppresses T-cell and B-cell function. It also impairs dendritic cell maturation and reduces synovial fibroblast proliferation, which explains its effect on joint inflammation and tissue destruction in arthritis. These effects, while therapeutically useful, also weaken normal host defenses.
Why It’s Important
Thunder god vine represents one of the few plant-derived agents with clinically meaningful immunosuppressive effect comparable in some studies to conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. For patients who cannot tolerate or do not respond to standard therapies, it has been investigated as an adjunct or alternative. Its ability to simultaneously attenuate multiple inflammatory pathways makes it mechanistically attractive for complex, poly-driver autoimmune phenotypes.
Considerations
Safety is the dominant issue. Crude plant material is not equivalent to standardized extracts used in trials; unrefined or mis-identified preparations can be organ-toxic. The margin between effective and toxic dosing is narrow. Documented adverse effects include infertility (both sexes), menstrual disruption, bone marrow suppression, profound immunosuppression with infection risk, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, gastrointestinal ulceration, neuropathy, and death from overdose. It can interact with other immunosuppressants, chemotherapy, and hepatotoxic drugs. It should not be used for self-treatment of autoimmune disease; use without physician oversight is medically unsafe. Because the mechanism is suppressive — not corrective — stopping abruptly can allow autoimmune flare. Pregnancy, trying to conceive, active infection, liver disease, and unsupervised use are clear contraindications.
Helps with these conditions
Thunder god vine is most effective for general wellness support with emerging research . The effectiveness varies by condition based on clinical evidence and user experiences.
Detailed Information by Condition
Crohn's Disease
Thunder God Vine contains bioactive compounds such as triptolide and celastrol, which possess anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. Thes...
Arthritis
Thunder god vine (the plant Tripterygium wilfordii, often used as Tripterygium or “TwHF” and supplied as Tripterygium glycoside tablets / extracts) ha...
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Immunomodulatory & anti-inflammatory actions. Key TwHF constituents (notably triptolide and celastrol) suppress NF-κB signaling and downstream pro...
Lupus
Immunomodulatory & anti-inflammatory actions. Key constituents (notably triptolide and celastrol) suppress inflammatory pathways relevant to SLE—e...
Rheumatoid Osteoarthritis
Immunosuppressive & anti-inflammatory constituents. TwHF contains triptolide and celastrol, which inhibit pro-inflammatory signaling (e.g., NF-κB)...
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