Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb thunder god vine-common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Thunder god vine has been used in China for health purposes for more than 400 years.

Common Names-thunder god vine, lei gong teng

Latin Names-Tripterygium wilfordii

What It Is Used For

• Thunder god vine has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for conditions involving inflammation or overactivity of the immune system.
• Orally, thunder god vine is taken for excessive menstrual periods or autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and lupus.
• Thunder god vine preparations are also applied to the skin for rheumatoid arthritis.

How It Is Used

Extracts are prepared from the skinned root of thunder god vine.

What the Science Says

• Laboratory findings suggest that thunder god vine may fight inflammation, suppress the immune system, and have anti-cancer effects.
• Although early evidence is promising, there have been few high-quality studies of thunder god vine in people. Results from a small study funded by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) suggest that an oral extract of the herb may improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in some patients. A larger NIAMS-funded study is comparing thunder god vine with a conventional medicine for rheumatoid arthritis.
• A small study on thunder god vine applied to the skin also found benefits for rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
• There is not enough scientific evidence to assess thunder god vine's use for any other health conditions.