Triptolide is the most active epoxidized diterpenoid lactone compound isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii, and is one of the main active ingredients of Tripterygium wilfordii. 

Its related potency is 100-200 times higher than the total glycosides of Tripterygium wilfordii. Pharmacological and clinical trials have shown that it has precise biological activities such as immunosuppression, anti-inflammatory, anti fertility, and anti-tumor effects

purpose

Tripterygium wilfordii extract has therapeutic effects on rheumatoid arthritis, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and antiviral effects. Triptolide A is a diterpenoid tricyclic oxide with immunosuppressive and anti-tumor properties.

Anticancer effect

In recent years, a large number of in vivo and in vitro studies have proved that this product has good anti-tumor activity against a variety of cancers, such as leukemia, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer and lung cancer. Recent studies have found that Triptolide not only specifically affects certain proteins and signaling pathways, but also inhibits a wide range of gene transcription. However, its mechanism of action needs further clarification. The research team led by Yu Qiang from the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, conducted in-depth research on the molecular mechanism by which Triptolide A inhibits extensive gene transcription. Research has found that it inhibits gene transcription by promoting the phosphorylation of the largest and most important functional subunit Rpb1 in RNA polymerase II, as well as the subsequent ubiquitination degradation of Rpb1. The upstream kinase PTEF-b of Rpb1 plays a positive regulatory role in Triptolide induced phosphorylation of Rpb1.

The study also found that Triptolide can induce DNA damage. These studies suggest that it activates P-TEFb by causing DNA damage to cells, phosphorylating Rpb1 and causing degradation of Rpb1, thereby inhibiting broad-spectrum gene transcription.

Chemical properties

Soluble in methanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform, etc. Derived from the whole or peeled woody part of the Thunder God Vine plant in the family Celastraceae.