Botanical Overview
Tripterygium wilfordii, known commonly as Thunder God Vine or Leigong Teng, belongs to the Celastraceae family. The medicinal parts primarily used are the root and root bark. Native to East Asia, particularly China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, this plant has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine.
Energetics
The herb is considered warming and drying, with bitter and pungent tastes. Its energetic actions are generally descending in directionality and relaxing in tonicity, predominantly affecting the qi aspect of physiology.
Primary Actions
- Immunosuppressive
- Anti-inflammatory
- Cytotoxic
- Antifertility
Indications
Western
- Autoimmune disorders
- Inflammation
- Joint pain
- Cancer
Syndromes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Psoriasis
- Certain cancers
TCM
- Wind-damp bi syndrome
- Swelling
- Pain
- Signs of heat
Syndromes
- Bi syndrome
- Damp-heat accumulation
- Toxicity
Ayurveda
Syndromes
Unani
Syndromes
Constituents & Mechanisms
Key phytochemical constituents of Tripterygium wilfordii include diterpenoids, alkaloids, triptolide, celastrol, and triterpenoids which are responsible for its potent immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Extracts standardized to triptolide, doses vary and require specialist guidance
- Traditional decoction of root bark, use under supervision
Safety & Contraindications
This species is highly toxic and requires professional supervision. It is contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation due to antifertility and embryo-toxic effects. Adverse effects can include gastrointestinal upset, immunosuppression, reproductive toxicity, and potential liver and kidney damage. It has interactions with immunosuppressive and cytotoxic drugs, elevating risk of toxicity.
Astrological Correspondences
Astrological and elemental correspondences are not clearly established for Tripterygium wilfordii.
Selected References
- Pharmacology and toxicology of Tripterygium wilfordii and its bioactive components – Luo et al., 2015
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Volume 2 – 2004
- Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F. – Zhou et al., 2013
- Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd Edition – Dan Bensky et al., 2004