Thunder god vine
Specifically for Rheumatoid Osteoarthritis
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Why it works for Rheumatoid Osteoarthritis:
Immunosuppressive & anti-inflammatory constituents. TwHF contains triptolide and celastrol, which inhibit pro-inflammatory signaling (e.g., NF-κB), reduce cytokines, and modulate innate immune pathways implicated in RA synovitis. Spandidos Publications
Clinical signal vs. standard care. In a multicenter randomized trial of active RA, TwHF was non-inferior to methotrexate (MTX) and the combination (TwHF+MTX) outperformed either alone on ACR responses at 24 weeks. Arthritis Research & Care
Follow-up on structural outcomes. A 2-year follow-up analysis suggested TwHF (alone or with MTX) slowed radiographic progression versus MTX monotherapy (non-blinded extension, so interpret cautiously). BioMed Central
Systematic reviews. Meta-analyses and Cochrane reviews report improvement in RA symptoms versus placebo/active comparators, but emphasize heterogeneous preparations, variable quality, and safety concerns, so confidence in effect estimates is limited. Frontiers
How to use for Rheumatoid Osteoarthritis:
Oral standardized extracts (various “Tripterygium glycosides”/polyglycoside tablets used in China). Clinical trials commonly used doses roughly 60–180 mg/day of extract, sometimes higher in Chinese studies; consumer references describe 30–120 mg/day for up to 6 months—regimens vary by formulation and should not be extrapolated across brands. Drugs.com
Combination with MTX. Some protocols used TwHF 20 mg three times daily plus MTX 10 mg weekly for 24 weeks in research settings (doses/formulations are trial-specific; do not copy without medical supervision). Trials
Topical preparations (tinctures) have been studied for joint tenderness/stiffness, but systemic efficacy and long-term safety are unclear; topical use does not avoid all risks. RxList
Guideline context. The American College of Rheumatology RA guidelines prioritize DMARDs (e.g., MTX, biologics/JAK inhibitors); TwHF is not a recommended standard therapy. American College of Rheumatology
Scientific Evidence for Rheumatoid Osteoarthritis:
Randomized controlled trial (open-label): Tripterygium wilfordii vs MTX vs combination in active RA—combination superior at 24 weeks. Ann Rheum Dis 2015. Arthritis Research & Care
Longer-term follow-up: Impact on disease activity and radiographic progression over 2 years (extension/observational). Arthritis Research & Therapy 2018. BioMed Central
Systematic review & meta-analysis (clinical): Effectiveness and safety of TwHF extracts in RA (up to July 2017). Frontiers in Pharmacology 2018. Frontiers
Cochrane review (herbal therapy for RA): TwHF improved some outcomes vs placebo/sulfasalazine; heterogeneity and safety concerns limit certainty. Cochrane Library
Mechanistic review (preclinical/biochemical): Celastrol & triptolide targets in RA (NF-κB and related pathways). Molecular Medicine Reports 2020. Spandidos Publications
Specific Warnings for Rheumatoid Osteoarthritis:
TwHF can be dangerous without careful medical oversight.
- Reproductive toxicity: Documented antifertility effects in men; amenorrhea in women; reproductive toxicity mechanisms continue to be delineated. Avoid if trying to conceive; contraception recommended. Contraception Journal
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Avoid—likely unsafe in pregnancy (risk of birth defects); insufficient data in lactation. NCCIH
- Immunosuppression & infection risk: TwHF is immunosuppressive; serious infections can occur, especially at higher doses or with other immunosuppressants. WebMD
- Organ toxicity: Reports include gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal, and hematologic toxicity; potency varies by preparation. Monitor labs if used. (See overview and adverse-event sections.) Drugs.com
- Bone health: Possible reduction in bone strength—caution with osteoporosis. WebMD
- Drug interactions: Potential CYP3A4/CYP1A2 interactions and additive immunosuppression with other agents. WebMD
- Product variability/adulteration risk: Efficacy and safety depend on the exact extract and dose; do not use raw plant—non-standardized preparations have caused poisoning. Major agencies advise medical supervision and reputable sourcing. NCCIH
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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Helps With These Conditions
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