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tripterygium wilfordii
Tripterygium wilfordii extract suppresses immune cell activation and reduces inflammatory cytokine production through multiple pathways including NF-κB inhibition.
Tripterygium wilfordii extract suppresses immune cell activation and reduces inflammatory cytokine production through multiple pathways including NF-κB inhibition. Used for Rheumatoid arthritis, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Other autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.
At a glance
| Generic name | tripterygium wilfordii |
|---|---|
| Also known as | TW |
| Sponsor | Zhi-Hong Liu, M.D. |
| Drug class | Herbal immunosuppressant |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
The plant extract contains multiple bioactive compounds (triptolide and other diterpenoids) that inhibit T cell proliferation, reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8), and modulate immune responses. It acts as a broad immunosuppressant and anti-inflammatory agent, making it useful in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
Approved indications
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Other autoimmune and inflammatory disorders
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal disturbance
- Hepatotoxicity
- Bone marrow suppression
- Reproductive toxicity
Key clinical trials
- Study on the Efficacy and Safety of a Novel Tripterygium Wilfordii Preparation in Reducing Proteinuria in Patients With Diabetic Nephropathy (NA)
- Effectiveness and Safety of Yisaipu Combined With Tripterygium Wilfordii for Active RA (PHASE4)
- Efficacy and Safety of Colquhounia Root Tablet in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis (PHASE4)
- Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook F and Methotrexate for Postmenopausal Women With Rheumatoid Arthritis (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Optimal MTX Dose With Folic Acid Randomized Case-control Trial (PHASE4)
- Cohort Study on Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment of Children With Henoch-Schonlein Purpura Nephritis
- Topical Tripterygium Wilfordii Gel for Moderate Activity Rheumatoid Arthritis (NA)
- Study on Children Henoch-Schönlein Purpura Nephritis With TCM Multistep Treatment (PHASE1, PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- tripterygium wilfordii CI brief — competitive landscape report
- tripterygium wilfordii updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Zhi-Hong Liu, M.D. portfolio CI