Tripterygium wilfordii
What's the taxonomical classification of Tripterygium wilfordii?
Tripterygium wilfordii belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. As a member of the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, this plant is situated under the order Celastrales. It falls specifically within the family Celastraeaceae, which contains the genus Tripterygium, leading to its unique scientific designation as the species wilfordii.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Celastrales |
| Family | Celastraceae |
| Genus | Tripterygium |
| Species | wilfordii |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Tripterygium wilfordii has woody climbing vines characterized by trifoliate leaves with three distinct, lanceolate leaflets and small, greenish-white flowers that bloom in clusters. The plant utilizes vigorous twining stems to ascend structures, often reaching significant heights through its climbing habit. The leaf margins are typically smooth or slightly serrated, providing a lush canopy during the growing season. Its flowers are relatively inconspicuous but are followed by the development of distinctive, winged achenes. These winged seeds facilitate wind dispersal, a key morphological adaptation for the species' propagation.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the temperate forests of China, where it grows naturally in various provinces throughout the eastern and central regions. It typically thrives in mountainous areas and along riverbanks where the soil remains moist and shaded. While its primary origin is East Asian, it has been introduced to other parts of the world for ornamental purposes. In some non-native regions, it can spread easily through garden escapes. Its distribution is heavily influenced by its preference for deciduous woodland habitats.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, known as Tripterygium wilfordii, requires well-drained, fertile soil and partial shade to thrive in temperate climates.
Cultivation typically involves planting vigorous climbing vines that need sturdy support structures like trellises or fences to ascend. Growers must ensure consistent moisture during the establishment phase, though the mature plant is relatively drought-tolerant once its root system is deep. Regular pruning is necessary to manage its rapid growth and prevent it from overwhelming surrounding vegetation.
Because it is a deciduous woody climber, it performs best in zones where it can experience a distinct dormant period in the winter.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Tripterygium wilfordii provides medicinal components through its radix, aerial parts, leaf, rhizomes, and stem. The dried root, known as the radix, is the most frequently utilized part in traditional pharmacology for its potent bioactive compounds. Practitioners also employ the aerial parts and the leaf to prepare various herbal formulations. Additionally, the rhizomes and the stem can be harvested to contribute to specific medicinal applications. These different structures contain various alkaloids that serve diverse therapeutic purposes.
According to a study published by "Pharmaceuxtical biology", Radix Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. (LGT) is used for its outstanding curative efficacy, though it can cause high toxicity such as hepatotoxicity and nephrototoxicity. In studies using KM male mice, LGT raw and processed products were orally administered at 60 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days. Herbal-processing technology significantly weakened the toxicity evoked by LGT with an ED50 of the converted triptolide for serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, creatinine, and urea nitrogen of 9.3, 16.6, 2.5, and 4.2 μg/kg, respectively. These processed products also showed ED50 values for liver glutathione, glutathione S-transferase, catalase, tumour necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-10 of 114.9, 67.8, 134.1, 7.7, and 4171.6 μg/kg. Furthermore, the technology enhanced the tumour inhibition rate of LGT with an ED50 of 12.2 μg/kg.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- Radix
- aerial parts
- leaf
- rhizomes
- stem
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, known as Fallen Leaves or Lei Gong Teng, has been utilized for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat inflammatory conditions, skin diseases, and rheumatic pain. Practitioners historically prepared the dried root to clear heat and resolve toxicity within the body. It was frequently prescribed to alleviate symptoms associated with wind-dampness, such as numbness or joint discomfort. Beyond its topical applications, ancient practitioners used various decoctions to address neurological issues and internal ailments. This long-standing historical use forms the basis for modern investigations into its pharmacological properties.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", the root from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. is one of nine vine plants used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat inflammatory conditions. The extract from this plant showed the most potent inhibition against COX-1, COX-2, and 5-LO. Specifically, the IC50 values for Tripterygium wilfordii were 27 microg/ml for COX-1, 125 microg/ml for COX-2, and 22 microg/ml for 5-LO. These findings may partly explain the historical use of this plant for the treatment of inflammatory conditions.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Tripterygium wilfordii?
This plant has diverse pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatoid arthritis, immunomodulatory, anti-tumor, and renoprotective properties. Its bioactive compounds effectively regulate immune responses, making it a significant subject for treating autoimmune conditions. The plant demonstrates potent anti-inflammatory effects that help alleviate the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, research indicates that its extracts possess anti-tumor capabilities by inhibiting various cancer cell lines. It also provides renoprotective benefits by helping to mitigate kidney damage and maintain renal function.
According to a study published by "BMC complementary and alternative medicine", Tripterygium wilfordii Radix is a well-known traditional medicine in China used for centuries for the treatment of inflammation, pain, tumor, and immune regulation. The plant contains four main components, including tripteroside, triptophenolide, demethylzeylasteral, and celastrol. Under different temperatures, the contents of tripteroside, triptophenolide, demethylzeylasteral, and celastrol were 37.94-70.31 mg/g, 0-1.807 mg/g, 0.3513-9.205 mg/g, and 3.202-15.31 mg/g, respectively. While used for these therapeutic purposes, the plant is accompanied by serious toxic side effects.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-rheumatic
- immunomodulatory
- anti-tumor
- anti-oxidant
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains several bioactive diterpenoid lactones and alkaloids, most notably tripterine, tripteroside, tripterine, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, tripteroside, trip
According to a study published by "Angewandte Chemie (International ed. in English)", Tripterygium wilfordii is the traditional Chinese medicinal plant known as thunder god vine. The key ingredient found within this plant is triptolide, which has been utilized for centuries to treat inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Triptolide functions as an irreversible inhibitor of the XPB subunit of the transcription factor TFIIH and the initiation of RNA polymerase II mediated transcription. Although its clinical development over the past 20 years has been limited by low water solubility and toxicity, it remains a central component of the plant.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Triptolide
- Triptonide
- Wilfordine
- Tripterine
- Tripterifordin
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune diseases, inflammation, and various skin diseases. It contains active compounds that help modulate the immune system to reduce the severity of chronic conditions. By targeting inflammatory pathways, it provides relief for the joint pain and swelling associated with autoimmune disorders. Its ability to calm overactive immune responses also makes it beneficial for managing certain dermatological issues. Regular use is often sought by those looking to manage systemic inflammation through natural botanical means.
According to a study published by "Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica", Tripterygium wilfordii is used in a rat arthritis model induced by Freund's adjuvant. Rats in the Tripterygium wilfordii control group were administered 8.1 mg x kg(-1) of the plant orally for 35 days. This group was monitored by measuring the degree of swelling of the voix pedi every 4 days. The study also measured the contents of cell factors TNF-alpha, IL-2, and IL-6 in rat blood serum. The results showed that the drug groups were lower than the model control group regarding the arthrosis degree of swelling and the contents of cell factor TNF-alpha, IL-2, and IL-6.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- arthritis
- rheumatoid arthritis
- autoimmune diseases
- inflammation
- skin diseases
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Tripterygium wilfordii, a medicinal herb used to create various preparations including Kunmingshanhaitang tablets, TWH F. polyglycosidium, and decoction. The raw material used for these treatments is commonly known as Tripterygii wilfordii Radix. Researchers also utilize an ethanolic extract to isolate specific bioactive compounds from the root. These different forms are studied for their diverse pharmacological effects on the human body. Each preparation method serves a distinct purpose in delivering the therapeutic properties of the plant.
According to a study published by "Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica", an HPLC method was established using a Hanbon Kromasil C18 column and a methanol-1% HAc (83:17) mobile phase. The method utilized a detection wavelength of 425 nm and a flow rate of 1.0 mL x min(-1) to determine tripteriine contents. The contents of tripteriine in TWH F. tablets were found to be between 89.04 and 344.0 microg/tablet. These levels are higher than those in TWH F. polyglycosidium, which ranged from 14.98-217.80 microg/tablet. Because tripteriine contents vary significantly across different Tripterygium preparations, manufacturers and production lots show remarkable discrepancy.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Kunmingshanhaitang tablets
- TWH F. polyglycosidium
- Tripterygii wilfordii Radix
- Ethanolic extract
- Decoction
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause severe health complications including acute liver failure, cardiotoxicity, digestive toxicity, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. The presence of toxic compounds in Tripterygium wilfordii poses a significant risk to various organ systems within the body. Specifically, the plant may induce hepatotoxicity that can progress into sudden acute liver failure. It is also associated with nephrotoxicity, which can lead to serious kidney damage. Furthermore, users may experience digestive toxicity and cardiotoxicity, potentially impacting heart function.
According to a study published by "Ecotoxicology and environmental safety", the major bioactive component of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F. is triptolide (TP). This component is known to exhibit multi-organ toxicity, most notably hepatotoxicity, which presents a significant concern for patient well-being. Triptolide induces acute liver failure (ALF) when combined with exogenous lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In these cases, the activating receptor NKG2D of group 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) is specifically upregulated. Additionally, the administration of TP leads to the upregulation of the NKG2D ligand MULT-1 in liver resident macrophages (LRMs). This process involves M1 polarization of LRMs and an elevation in intracellular tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- acute liver failure
- cardiotoxicity
- digestive toxicity
- hepatotoxicity
- nephrotoxicity
What herbs are paired with Tripterygium wilfordii?
This plant is frequently paired with herbs such as Huang Qi, Ren Shen, and Gan Cao to enhance its ability to dispel wind and clear heat.
When addressing neurological symptoms or tremors, practitioners often combine it with herbs that nourish the blood and liver to stabilize the spirit. In cases where inflammation is a primary concern, it may be formulated alongside herbs that detoxify and resolve dampness. These combinations are carefully adjusted based on whether the goal is to strengthen the body's defenses or to target specific pathogenic factors.
Such strategic pairings ensure the therapeutic efficacy of the plant is maximized within a complex formula.