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Wilford's three-winged fruit

What is Wilford's tripterygium?

Wilford 's three-winged fruit (Latin name Tripterygium wilfordii) is an evergreen climbing plant that is native to China, Japan and Korea. This plant has been used for health purposes in China for over 400 years. In traditional Chinese medicine, it has been used for ailments associated with inflammation or overactivity of the immune system. Today, Wilford's three-winged fruit is used as a traditional or folk remedy for excessive menstrual periods and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and lupus. Extracts are made from the peeled root of Wilford's three-winged fruit.

What the science says

Laboratory studies suggest that Wilford's three-winged fruit may fight inflammation, suppress the immune system and have anti-cancer effects. Although early research results are promising, there are very few high-quality studies that have been conducted with humans. A large study funded by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), which compared an extract of Wilford's trifoliate with conventional drugs (sulfasalazine) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, concluded that symptoms such as joint pain, swelling and inflammation were better relieved by Wilford's trifoliate than by sulfasalazine. There is not enough scientific data to assess whether the use of Wilford's Trifoliate may be helpful for other health problems.

Side effects and precautions

Wilford' s trifoliate can cause serious side effects and can be toxic if the extract is not carefully extracted from the peeled root. Other parts of the plant including the leaves, flowers and bark of the root are highly toxic and can be fatal. A number of participants in the above-mentioned study experienced side effects that affected the digestive system and included diarrhea, stomach upset and nausea. Furthermore, upper respiratory tract infections occurred in some subjects. The rate of side effects was similar in the Wilford's Trifoliate group and the sulfasalazine group.

Wilford 's Trifoliate can also cause hair loss, headaches, menstrual changes and skin rashes. Wilford's Trifoliate has been shown to reduce bone mineral density in women who use this plant extract for 5 years or longer. This side effect is of particular concern for women who suffer from osteoporosis or are at increased risk of osteoporosis. In addition to this, Wilford's Trifoliate contains chemicals that could reduce fertility in men by altering the sperm. Many of the Wilford's Trifoliate products available are not of consistently high quality and it is not possible for the consumer to verify that such a product is safe and effective.

References

  1. Canter PH, Hyang SL, Ernst E. A systematic review of randomized clinical trials of Tripterygium wilfordii for rheumatoid arthritis.Phytomedicine. 2006;13(5):371-377.
  2. Carter BZ, Mark DH, Schober WD, et al. Triptolide induces caspase-dependent cell death mediated via the mitochondrial pathway in leukemic cells.Blood. 2006;108(2):630-637.
  3. Goldbach-Manksy R, Wilson M, Fleischmann R, et al. Comparison of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F versus sulfasalazine in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized trial.Annals of Internal Medicine. 2009;151(4):229-240, W49-51.
  4. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.Rheumatoid Arthritis and CAM. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Web site. Accessed at nccam.nih.gov/health/RA/getthefacts.htm on June 3, 2010.
  5. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Chinese Thunder God Vine Gives Relief from Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Web site. Accessed at www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Spotlight_on_Research/2002/thunder.asp on June 3, 2010.
  6. Setty AR, Sigal LH. Herbal medications commonly used in the practice of rheumatology: mechanisms of action, efficacy, and side effects.Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2005;34(6):773-784.
  7. Tao X, Younger J, Fan FZ, et al. Benefit of an extract of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.Arthritis & Rheumatism. 2002;46(7):1735–1743.