Huang-teng ken

Related Terms

Alkaloids, canophyllal, celastrol, chloroform methanol extract, demethylzeylasteral (TZ-93), dihydroagarofuran sesquiterpenes, diterpene, diterpene-lactone compounds, diterpenoid triepoxides, ethyl acetate (EA) extract, euonine, Euonymus sieboldianus Blume, folium Tripterygium wilfordii (TWT), friedelin, glycosides, hydroxyfriedelane, hydroxytriptonide, leigong teng, multiglycosides of TWHF (GTW), neotripterifordin, Pestalotiopsis leucothes, PG490, polyglycosidium, radix Tripterygium wilfordii polycoside tablet, salaspermic acid, sesquiterpene, T. wilfordii, T2 (multiglycosides of T. wilfordii), T4, T7/19, terpenoidlactones, thunder of god vine, thundergod vine, triepoxide triptolide, tripchlorolide (TC), tripterifordin, tripterfrielanon A(1), tripterfrielanon B(2), Tripterygium polyglucoside, Tripterygium wilfordii, Tripterygium wilfordii Complex Ester Tablet Hook F (T II), Tripterygium wilfordii Hook spp., Tripterygium wilfordii multiglycoside, Tripterygium wilfordii Polycoside Tablet (TPT), Tripterygium wilfordii polyglucoside, Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside, Tripterygium wilfordii polysaccharide, Tripterygium wilfordii T7, triptobenzene, triptofordin C-2, triptofordin F-2, triptolide, triptolidenol, triptonide, triterpenes, TW, TWG, TWHF, T(whf), TW-SR (sustained-release tablets of Tripterygium wilfordii), wilfordconine, wilforlide A, wilforlide B, wilfornine A, wilfornine B, wilfornine C, wilfornine D, wilfornine E, wilfornine F, wilfornine G, wilfornine H, wilfornine I, wilfornine J.

Background

Thundergod vine (Tripterygium wilfordii) has a long history of use. It has reportedly been used continuously in China for more than 2,000 years. Traditionally, thundergod vine has been used as an anticancer drug, male contraceptive, a drug used to suppress the immune system, and as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Various clinical trials have indicated the use of thundergod vine as a possible treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, a disease of the immune system). There is also evidence suggesting possible benefits of thundergod vine in organ transplantation, asthma, cancer, and kidney, skin, and eye disorders.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Thundergod vine contains compounds that may affect the immune system or have anti-inflammatory properties. There is currently insufficient evidence to make conclusions about the use of thundergod vine for these uses.

 C


Thundergod vine contains compounds that may affect the immune system or have anti-inflammatory properties. There is currently insufficient evidence to make conclusions about the use of thundergod vine for these uses.

 C


There is interest in using thundergod vine to treat conditions such as asthma. More research is needed in this area.

 C


There is interest in using thundergod vine to treat conditions such as asthma. More research is needed in this area.

 C


The effect of thundergod vine in treating uterine leiomyoma (a tumor of the smooth muscle and tissue of the uterus) has been investigated. More research is needed in this area.

 C


The effect of thundergod vine in treating uterine leiomyoma (a tumor of the smooth muscle and tissue of the uterus) has been investigated. More research is needed in this area.

 C


There is interest in using thundergod vine in place of steroids, such as prednisone, in treating Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO, an eye disease related to an overactive thyroid gland). There is currently insufficient evidence to make a conclusion for against the use of thundergod vine in treating this disease.

 C


There is interest in using thundergod vine in place of steroids, such as prednisone, in treating Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO, an eye disease related to an overactive thyroid gland). There is currently insufficient evidence to make a conclusion for against the use of thundergod vine in treating this disease.

 C


Thundergod vine has been evaluated for treatment of various types of nephritis (kidney inflammation), including glomerulonephritis (a disease in which part of the kidney is damaged), lupus nephritis (a kidney disorder related to the autoimmune condition lupus), and childhood Henoch-Sch?nlein purpura nephritis (a disease affecting small blood vessels in the kidney). There is currently insufficient evidence to make conclusions about the use of thundergod vine in treating these disorders.

 C


Thundergod vine has been evaluated for treatment of various types of nephritis (kidney inflammation), including glomerulonephritis (a disease in which part of the kidney is damaged), lupus nephritis (a kidney disorder related to the autoimmune condition lupus), and childhood Henoch-Sch?nlein purpura nephritis (a disease affecting small blood vessels in the kidney). There is currently insufficient evidence to make conclusions about the use of thundergod vine in treating these disorders.

 C


Thundergod vine contains compounds that may affect the immune system. There is currently insufficient evidence to make a conclusion about the use of thundergod vine in controlling transplant rejection and long-term survival.

 C


Thundergod vine contains compounds that may affect the immune system. There is currently insufficient evidence to make a conclusion about the use of thundergod vine in controlling transplant rejection and long-term survival.

 C


Thundergod vine has been studied for its effects on symptoms and clinical signs of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Currently, there are insufficient available data to make a conclusion about the use of thundergod vine in treating RA.

 C


Thundergod vine has been studied for its effects on symptoms and clinical signs of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Currently, there are insufficient available data to make a conclusion about the use of thundergod vine in treating RA.

 C


There is currently insufficient evidence to make a conclusion about the use of thundergod vine for treating skin disorders. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


There is currently insufficient evidence to make a conclusion about the use of thundergod vine for treating skin disorders. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


There is interest in using thundergod vine as an alternative to traditional treatments for autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). At this time there is insufficient evidence to make a conclusion about the use of thundergod vine in the treatment of SLE.

 C


There is interest in using thundergod vine as an alternative to traditional treatments for autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). At this time there is insufficient evidence to make a conclusion about the use of thundergod vine in the treatment of SLE.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
For asthma 40 or 60 milligrams of Tripterygium polyglucoside have been taken by mouth daily for four weeks.
For eye disorders (Graves' ophthalmopathy), 30-60 milligrams of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglycoside have been taken by mouth daily for four weeks.
For nephritis (kidney inflammation), one milligram per kilogram of body weight of Tripterygium wilfordii polyglucoside (TWP) has been taken by mouth daily.
For organ transplantation, one or two milligrams per kilogram of body weight of Tripterygium wilfordii have been taken by mouth daily for five years.
For rheumatoid arthritis, 10-60 milligrams of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglycosides have been taken by mouth daily for 12 weeks. Daily doses of 180-570 milligrams of ethyl acetate extract of Tripterygium wilfordii have been taken by mouth for up to 76 weeks. Two tablets of Tripterygium wilfordii Complex Ester Tablet (TWT, a preparation of folium Tripterygium wilfordii), have been taken by mouth three times daily. Two tablets of Tripterygium wilfordii Polycoside Tablet (TPT, a preparation of radix Tripterygium wilfordii) have been taken by mouth three times daily. Two sustained-release tablets of Tripterygium wilfordii have been taken by mouth two or three times daily for four weeks. A tincture containing Tripterygium wilfordii has been applied to painful or swollen joints 5-6 times daily.
For systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), three tablets containing five grams of crude Tripterygium wilfordii (TW) have been taken by mouth three times daily. In addition, 45 grams of crude TW daily or 60 milligrams of TW glycosides have been taken by mouth for up to five years.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Thundergod vine may cause high blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs that lower blood pressure.
Thundergod vine may interact with anti-inflammatory agents, drugs to treat cancer, antivirals, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs, such as FK506, cyclosporine, and possibly chloroquine), drugs that may cause kidney damage, hormonal agents (such as luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, progesterone, or E2), or agents that affect the immune system.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Canter PH, Lee HS, Ernst E. A systematic review of randomised clinical trials of for rheumatoid arthritis. Phytomedicine 2006;13(5):371-377.
Carter BZ, Mak DH, Schober WD, et al. Triptolide induces caspase-dependent cell death mediated via the mitochondrial pathway in leukemic cells. Blood 2006;108(2):630-637.
Chang HJ, Kim MH, Baek MK, et al. Triptolide inhibits tumor promoter-induced uPAR expression via blocking NF-kappaB signaling in human gastric AGS cells. Anticancer Res 2007;27(5A):3411-7.
Huang HH, Yen DH, Wu ML, et al. Acute Erycibe henryi Prain ("Ting Kung Teng") poisoning. Clin.Toxicol (Phila) 2006;44(1):71-75.
Ji SM, Wang QW, Chen JS, et al. Clinical trial of Hook F. in human kidney transplantation in China. Transplant Proc 2006;38(5):1274-1279.
Kusunoki N, Yamazaki R, Kitasato H, et al. Triptolide, an active compound identified in a traditional Chinese herb, induces apoptosis of rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts. BMC Pharmacol 2004;4:2.
Panichakul T, Intachote P, Wongkajorsilp A, et al. Triptolide sensitizes resistant cholangiocarcinoma cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Anticancer Res 2006;26(1A):259-265.
Setty AR, Sigal LH. Herbal medications commonly used in the practice of rheumatology: mechanisms of action, efficacy, and side effects. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2005;34(6):773-784.
Wang J, Wang YT, Shao JQ, et al. Immunosuppressive therapies in patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy. Zhonghua Nei Ke Za Zhi 2004;43(2):125-127.
Wang X, Matta R, Shen G, et al. Mechanism of triptolide-induced apoptosis: Effect on caspase activation and Bid cleavage and essentiality of the hydroxyl group of triptolide. J Mol Med 2006;84(5):405-415.
Yan SX, Wang Y. Inhibitory effects of Triptolide on interferon-gamma-induced human leucocyte antigen-DR, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, CD40 expression on retro-ocular fibroblasts derived from patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy. Clin Experiment Ophthalmol 2006;34(3):265-271.
Yang H, Chen D, Cui QC, et al. Celastrol, a triterpene extracted from the Chinese "Thunder of God Vine," is a potent proteasome inhibitor and suppresses human prostate cancer growth in nude mice. Cancer Res 2006;66(9):4758-4765.
Yang JH, Luo SD, Wang YS, et al. Triterpenes from Hook. J Asian Nat Prod Res 2006;8(5):425-429.
Zhang DH, Marconi A, Xu LM, et al. Tripterine inhibits the expression of adhesion molecules in activated endothelial cells. J Leukoc Biol 2006;80(2):309-319.
Zhou X, Zhou Z, Jin M, et al. Clinical study of qingluo tongbi granules in treating 63 patients with rheumatoid arthritis of the type of yin-deficiency and heat in collaterals. J Tradit Chin Med 2004;24(2):83-87.