YahGarden

Herb library · Herb · Tripterygium wilfordii

Thunder God Vine

A Chinese medicinal vine sold for rheumatoid arthritis and kidney problems. Many low-to-moderate quality studies suggest it might help some symptoms, but it can cause serious side effects, and rare deaths have been reported.

Serious warning

NCCIH says serious side effects of thunder god vine may include kidney damage and liver problems, and rare deaths have been reported, possibly linked to specific preparations or high doses. Its component triptolide may be toxic in people.

Traditional use

A perennial plant commonly grown in southeast China. Its extracts have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for inflammation and fever and for a broad range of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Today it is sold by mouth for rheumatoid arthritis, kidney problems, Crohn's disease, and eczema, and on the skin for rheumatoid arthritis.

What studies show

  • Limited

    Rheumatoid arthritis, by mouth: studies of low-to-moderate quality suggest it might ease some symptoms; with a conventional therapy it might beat that therapy alone for joint swelling and tenderness, but a combination of conventional therapies might do better still.

  • Insufficient

    Rheumatoid arthritis, on the skin: it is unclear whether it has any effect.

  • Limited

    Kidney disorders: initial reports suggest it might help some, such as nephrotic syndrome or IgA nephropathy.

  • Insufficient

    Other conditions: not enough reliable evidence to conclude anything.

Be careful of

Cautions

  • NoteSide effects can include digestive problems, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, a lowered white blood cell count, menstrual changes, and skin redness; adding it to a conventional therapy might raise the risk of side effects.
  • ConditionIt should not replace conventional care for rheumatoid arthritis, which can delay or stop joint damage. Follow your clinician's plan for your condition.
  • PregnancyIt is considered unsafe in pregnancy because it may raise the risk of birth defects. Little is known about breastfeeding.
  • InteractionIf you take any medicine, check with your clinician first; some herbs and medicines interact in harmful ways.
  • Ask a clinicianTalk with a clinician or pharmacist before using this if you take prescription medicines, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are giving it to a child.

Sources

  1. Thunder God Vine: Usefulness and Safety (opens in a new tab) · NCCIH · read September 25, 2026

Reviewed September 25, 2026.