Thunder God Vine
Also known as lei gong teng, thunder god vine, tripterygium wilfordii, twf
Key takeaways
- Tripterygium wilfordii glycosides combined with DMARDs show effectiveness and safety in treating rheumatoid arthritis (PMID: 33368709).
- Tripterygium glycosides are effective in treating late-onset rheumatoid arthritis (PMID: 27866179).
- The extract shows efficacy as an immunomodulation drug for immune-mediated kidney diseases (PMID: 40717986).
What the research shows
AI-synthesized from 9 peer-reviewed sources · Updated 2025
Thunder God Vine (Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F) is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant used primarily as an immunosuppressive agent. Research suggests it is effective in treating inflammatory conditions, particularly rheumatoid arthritis and certain kidney diseases, often when used in combination with conventional therapies.
By condition
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Strong
Multiple meta-analyses and systematic reviews indicate that Tripterygium glycosides are effective as monotherapy or in combination with conventional DMARDs to reduce disease activity.
Immune-mediated Kidney Diseases
Moderate
Evidence suggests efficacy as an immunomodulation drug when combined with conventional immunosuppressive agents for kidney diseases and primary nephrotic syndrome.
Effective doses
Specific dose ranges were not provided in the abstracts of the provided studies.
Safety & interactions
Used as an immunosuppressive agent; potential for significant side effects typical of immunosuppressants. Consult a healthcare provider regarding interactions with other DMARDs.
Limitations
Much of the evidence relies on meta-analyses of smaller trials, and there is a need for more high-quality, large-scale RCTs to fully establish safety profiles and standardized dosing.
How it's sold
Data aggregated from 237 product labels
Research evidence
Showing top 10 of 9 sources, sorted by quality
BACKGROUND: Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used as an immunosuppressive agent, has been prescribed in China for patients with primary nephrotic syndrome (NS) for more than two decades. Although p…
**Wang et al., 2016** | BMC Complement Altern Med | Systematic Review Wang Hai-Long, Jiang Quan, ... Li Bo. Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F versus conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs as monotherapy for rheumatoid art…
**Zheng et al., 2021** | Phytother Res | Meta Analysis Zheng Wenhao, Mei Yifan, ... Chen Hua. The effectiveness and safety of Tripterygium wilfordii glycosides combined with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in the treatment of rheumat…
**Li et al., 2025** | Front Pharmacol | Systematic Review Li Yaotan, Hou Jinyi, ... Zheng Huijuan. Efficacy of Tripterygium glycosides in immune-mediated kidney diseases as a immunomodulation drug in combination with conventional immunosupp…
**Chen et al., 2025** | Sci Rep | Meta Analysis Chen Kai, Chen Xiaoying, ... Feng Zhe. Therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Tripterygium wilfordii extracts in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studi…
**Xu et al., 2016** | Altern Ther Health Med | Meta Analysis Xu Xiao, Li Quan Jin, ... Ji Wei. Tripterygium Glycosides for Treating Late-onset Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Altern Ther Health Med. 2016-Nov;22(…
**Feng et al., 2022** | Pharmacol Res | Meta Analysis Feng Zhe, Fu Ling, ... Zhou Xueping. Efficacy of tripterygium glycosides (TG) in rheumatoid arthritis as a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) in combination with conventional …
**Zhu et al., 2019** | Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi | Meta Analysis Zhu Guang-Zhao, Han Xiao-Chen, ... Wang Hai-Long. [Effect of Tripterygium Glycosides Tablets in treating rheumatoid arthritis:a systematic review and Meta-analysis]. Zhongguo …
**Jiao et al., 2012** | Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi | Rct Jiao Juan, Jiang Quan. [External application of compound Tripterygium wilfordii decreased the activity of rheumatoid arthritis]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2012-Nov;3…
Frequently asked questions
What is Thunder God Vine and what is it used for?
Thunder God Vine (Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F) is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant primarily used as an immunosuppressive agent. Research suggests it is effective in treating inflammatory conditions, particularly rheumatoid arthritis and certain kidney diseases, often when used in combination with conventional therapies.
Does Thunder God Vine work for rheumatoid arthritis?
Yes, there is strong evidence indicating that Tripterygium glycosides are effective for rheumatoid arthritis. Multiple meta-analyses show it can reduce disease activity when used as a monotherapy or combined with conventional DMARDs. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting this treatment.
Is Thunder God Vine effective for kidney disease?
There is moderate evidence suggesting efficacy for immune-mediated kidney diseases and primary nephrotic syndrome. It appears to work as an immunomodulation drug when combined with conventional immunosuppressive agents. You should consult a healthcare provider regarding its use for kidney conditions.
What is the effective dose of Thunder God Vine?
Specific dose ranges were not provided in the abstracts of the provided studies. Because effective dosing is not clearly defined in the available evidence, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance on usage.
What are the safety risks and side effects of Thunder God Vine?
As an immunosuppressive agent, Thunder God Vine carries a potential for significant side effects typical of such drugs. Pregnant individuals should avoid it due to safety concerns, and anyone on other medications should consult a healthcare provider regarding interactions with other DMARDs.
Does Thunder God Vine interact with other medications?
While no specific drug interactions are documented in the provided data, Thunder God Vine is used as an immunosuppressive agent. Therefore, you should consult a healthcare provider regarding potential interactions with other DMARDs or immunosuppressive therapies.
Who should avoid taking Thunder God Vine?
Individuals should consult a healthcare provider before use, particularly those taking other DMARDs or immunosuppressive agents. Pregnant individuals should avoid this supplement due to safety concerns associated with its immunosuppressive nature.