Toxic vine used as an arthritis remedy

Carefully prepared root extracts of thunder god vine (known scientifically as Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F) have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years to treat psoriasis, lupus, eczema and leprosy. The plant’s highly poisonous leaves, flowers and root skin gave the woody vine the nickname qi bu si, or “seven steps to death.” But modern research suggests that with the poisons removed, the plant’s roots may offer an effective remedy for autoimmune diseases.

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Uses: The herb is used in attempts to treat rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis and other autoimmune conditions.

Dose: In human studies, patients have taken about 30 milligrams a day, but there is no standardized dose for the herb.

Precautions: Thunder god vine may cause diarrhea or upset stomachs. The herb can be hard to find, but it is sold in some alternative medicine outlets. Because preparations can be toxic if they are not properly prepared (causing nausea, vomiting and intestinal bleeding), many medical experts warn against using the herb outside a clinical research setting.

Research: Most of the evidence in favor of thunder god vines’ medicinal uses comes from small human and animal studies performed in China. Last year, the first controlled human trial on the herb in the U.S. showed that it was highly effective in relieving pain and swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Additional human studies are being planned in the U.S. to confirm the herb’s effects on other conditions.

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-- Elena Conis