Thunder God Vine: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Thunder god vine (Tripterygium wilfordii) is a vine that grows in southeast China. Its extracts are used in traditional and pharmaceutical Chinese medicine.

Thunder god vine contains chemicals that might relieve swelling and change the way the immune system works. This might help with arthritis and other conditions. Also, thunder god vine contains chemicals that might alter sperm and decrease male fertility.

People use thunder god vine for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Crohn disease, kidney problems, mouth sores, and eye problems in people with an overactive thyroid. It is also used for eczema, birth control, menstrual cramps, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

A type of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn disease). Taking thunder god vine by mouth seems to help prevent symptoms of Crohn disease from recurring. It might also slow down how quickly symptoms come back for people who are in remission. It seems to be as effective as drugs normally used by people with Crohn disease.
An eye disease caused by an overactive thyroid (Graves' ophthalmopathy). Taking thunder god vine by mouth along with conventional treatments might improve eye problems in people with overactive thyroid.
A condition that slowly leads to kidney disease (IgA nephropathy). Taking thunder god vine by mouth seems to help people with IgA nephropathy go into remission.
An inflammatory condition that causes rash or sores on the skin or mouth (lichen planus). Taking thunder god vine by mouth might reduce pain and heal mouth sores in people with this condition.
A group of symptoms that indicate kidney damage (nephrotic syndrome). Taking thunder god vine by mouth seems to help people with this condition go into remission. It might be more effective than steroids and might make steroids work better when used together.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Taking thunder god vine by mouth with or without conventional drugs seems to help relieve joint pain and swelling and improve physical function in people with RA. It's not clear if applying thunder god vine to the skin helps.

Possibly Ineffective for

A type of arthritis that mainly affects the spine (ankylosing spondylitis). Taking thunder god vine by mouth does not seem to relieve joint pain or swelling in people with ankylosing spondylitis.

There is interest in using thunder god vine for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Thunder god vine is possibly safe for most people. It's usually well tolerated. Side effects might include stomach upset, missed menstrual periods, skin reactions, nausea, diarrhea, and headache.

When applied to the skin: Thunder god vine is possibly safe.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy: Thunder god vine is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. It might cause birth defects.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if thunder god vine is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Weakened immune system: Large doses of thunder god vine might weaken the immune system. If you already have a weakened immune system due to a medical condition, or from taking certain medications, avoid using thunder god vine. It might decrease your body's ability to fight off infection.

Weakened bones (osteoporosis): Thunder god vine can reduce bone strength. If you have osteoporosis or are at risk for osteoporosis, don't use thunder god vine.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with Thunder God Vine
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Thunder god vine might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with Thunder God Vine
Large doses of thunder god vine can decrease the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, also decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking thunder god vine along with these medications might cause the activity of the immune system to drop too low.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with Thunder God Vine
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Thunder god vine might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications that decrease break down of other medications by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitors) interacts with Thunder God Vine
Thunder god vine is changed and broken down by the liver. Some drugs decrease how quickly the liver changes and breaks down thunder god vine. This could change the effects and side effects of thunder god vine.

Dosing

Thunder god vine extract has most often been used by adults in doses of 30-120 mg by mouth daily for up to 6 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

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Thunder God Vine - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Overview

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

Possibly Ineffective for

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with Thunder God Vine

Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with Thunder God Vine

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with Thunder God Vine

Medications that decrease break down of other medications by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitors) interacts with Thunder God Vine

Dosing