Dr. Grey AI

Thunder god vine

Thunder god vine is a Traditional Chinese Medicine herb with PROVEN efficacy for rheumatoid arthritis but DANGEROUS toxicity. Has a VERY LOW therapeutic index (narrow margin between effective and toxic doses). Can cause severe adverse effects including infertility, immunosuppression, and death. NOT RECOMMENDED for self-supplementation. Used only under strict medical supervision in some countries. The active compounds (triptolide, celastrol) are potent but toxic.

Quick Answer

What it is

Thunder god vine is a Traditional Chinese Medicine herb with PROVEN efficacy for rheumatoid arthritis but DANGEROUS toxicity. Has a VERY LOW therapeutic index (narrow margin between effective and toxic doses).

Key findings

  • Grade B: Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
  • Grade C: Immune Function Suppression
  • Grade D: Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms

Safety

  • Thunder god vine is a Traditional Chinese Medicine herb with PROVEN efficacy for rheumatoid arthritis but DANGEROUS toxicity.
  • Can cause severe adverse effects including infertility, immunosuppression, and death.
  • A comprehensive review concluded that Lei Gong Teng and its active metabolites show robust anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects in RA patients, with efficacy considered proven but limited by toxicity concerns.
ℹ️ Quick Facts: Thunder god vine

Quick Facts: Thunder god vine

  • Best Evidence:Grade B
  • Conditions Studied:3
  • Research Outcomes:7
  • Grade B Findings:1
  • Key Effect:Arthritis (Multiple Kinds)
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B1
C1
D5
3 conditions · 7 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
B
Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
Multiple human studies demonstrate significant reduction in RA disease activity. A comprehensive review concluded that Lei Gong Teng and its active metabolites show robust anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects in RA patients, with efficacy considered proven but limited by toxicity concerns.
moderate↓Improves
C
Immune Function Suppression
A review of clinical and laboratory findings confirmed Lei Gong Teng's potent immunosuppressive properties, with mechanisms including T-cell suppression and NF-κB inhibition. Multiple human studies in autoimmune conditions demonstrate clinically significant immunosuppression, which underlies both therapeutic effects and serious adverse event risk.
large↓Worsens
D
Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms
A case series of 12 ankylosing spondylitis patients treated with 60 mg/day Tripterygium wilfordii extract for 6 weeks showed meaningful improvements in disease activity measures with no adverse changes in liver function or blood counts.
moderate↓Improves
D
Prostate Cancer Cell Proliferation
In vitro and animal studies showed triptolide suppressed prostate cancer cell growth by down-regulating SUMO-specific protease 1 (SENP1) expression and reducing androgen receptor and c-Jun expression through multiple inhibitory pathways.
moderate↓Worsens
D
Inflammatory Markers (TLR4/NF-κB Pathway)
In vitro study demonstrated celastrol reduced LPS-induced expression of TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-12, and IL-1beta in mouse macrophages by blocking lipopolysaccharide binding to the TLR4/MD2 receptor complex via a thiol-dependent mechanism.
moderate↓Improves
D
Dengue Virus Replication
In vitro and animal studies showed celastrol inhibited all four dengue virus serotypes with EC50 values of 0.12-0.19 μM by upregulating type I interferon and activating the JAK-STAT pathway. In suckling mice, celastrol improved survival and reduced disease severity.
moderate↓Improves
D
Male Reproductive Function (Toxicity)
In adolescent male rats, both high-dose short-term and low-dose long-term Tripterygium wilfordii exposure significantly reduced testis weight and serum testosterone levels, with suppressed expression of five critical testosterone biosynthesis enzymes (StAR, P450scc, and three hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases) in a concentration- and time-dependent manner.
large↓Improves

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