Tripterygium Wilfordii

Tripterygium wilfordii, commonly known as thunder god vine or lei gong teng (雷公藤 in Chinese), is a perennial vine native to southeast China, Japan, and parts of Burma (Myanmar). It belongs to the Celastraceae family and grows as a woody climber that can reach up to 6 meters in length. The plant has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where its roots, stems, and leaves are harvested for therapeutic purposes, often in the form of decoctions or extracts.

Tripterygium wilfordii is highly toxic if not properly prepared, and its use is controversial due to significant adverse effects. The raw plant or improper extracts can cause severe harm, which is why traditional preparations often involve hot water decoctions to reduce toxicity. Common side effects include:

Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain (reported in up to 20-30% of users).

Reproductive toxicity: Infertility, menstrual irregularities, and reduced sperm count; it's contraindicated in pregnancy and for those planning to conceive.

Hematological effects: Leukopenia (low white blood cells), thrombocytopenia (low platelets), and anemia.

Liver and kidney damage: Elevated liver enzymes (ALT/AST), renal impairment, and potential for acute liver injury.

Other: Dermatitis, hair loss, and immunosuppression leading to increased infection risk.

A quantitative review of clinical trials found adverse events in about 10-20% of patients, with higher rates in long-term use. The UK government and organizations like the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) advise against its use due to these risks. In China, it's approved for specific indications but requires medical supervision, often in standardized forms like TWP tablets. It's not recommended for children, the elderly, or those with pre-existing liver/kidney issues.

While preclinical and some clinical studies indicate promise in treating various cancers, the plant's severe toxicity, including liver damage and genetic defects, restricts its direct use as a cancer treatment.

Availability and Recommendations

Standardized extracts are available as supplements (e.g., 5:1 root extracts containing triptolide) in some markets, but quality varies, and self-medication is discouraged. Always consult a healthcare professional before use, especially since interactions with immunosuppressants or other drugs are possible. Research continues into safer derivatives to harness its benefits without the toxicity.