Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F is a plant of the genus Tripterygium of the family celastraceae. Many preparations, mainly from its root, have been used clinically, among which the polyglycoside (TP) has shown better effects.
Many side effects, however, have been reported. About 45% of patients who received TP complained of such adverse effects as skin rashes, skin pigmentation, stomatitis and softening of finger nails. In female patients treated with TP, reduction of menses was noted 4 weeks after initiation of therapy, and amenorrhea was observed in 30% and 90% of the cases respectively 3 months after and 6 months after starting the extract.
In male patients, the number and motility of sperms were reduced and the sperm disappeared completely after a month. In general, the longer the duration of administration and the older the patients, the smaller the probability of their menses or sperms returning to normal. Besides, frequent upper abdominal pain, nausea, reduced appetite were also reported and impairment of hepatic and renal functions appeared in a few cases.
Lei Gong Teng (Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F) can help with the following
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis responded to TP (polyglycoside extract of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F), sulfasalazine and methotrexate with effective rates of 85%, 60% and 60% respectively after 6 months of treatment. In most cases treated with TP, alleviation was noted in symptoms of the spine and joints 2 weeks after starting the extract, and improvement in pain and swelling of joints and backache was observed 2 weeks later. [Chin Med J (Taipei) 1996; 57: S35]
Lupus, SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythromatosis) / Risk
In patients with lupus nephritis unresponsive to prednisone and other immunosuppressive drugs, combined administration of prednisone and TP (polyglycoside extract of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F) resulted in reduction or even complete disappearance of protien in the urine in 40-50% of cases. Many side effects, however, have been reported. [Chin Med J (Taipei) 1996; 57: S35]
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Treatment with an extract of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (360mg per day to 570mg per day) improved clinical anifestations and laboratory findings in a study of 13 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Three patients withdrew during the first 16 weeks of
dose escalation, including one patient who developed diastolic hypertension at a dose of 180mg per day. [J Rheumatol 2001;28(10): pp.2160-7]
Key
| Likely to help |
| Highly recommended |
Glossary
Stomatitis
Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth.
Motility
Capacity for spontaneous movement, frequently in reference to the intestine.
Nausea
Symptoms resulting from an inclination to vomit.