This product is the whole plant of the Winged Euonymus family, Root Leaf or Flower of Common Threewingnut (Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f.). It is mainly produced in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui, Fujian, and other regions. The leaves are harvested in summer, while the flowers and fruits are collected in summer and autumn. The roots are harvested in autumn. When using the roots, the entire plant is uprooted, cleaned of soil, and the roots are separated from the stems. They are then dried in a ventilated area, cut into sections, and used. After harvesting the flowers and fruits, impurities are removed, and the flower stalks and calyxes are detached. They are then dried and stored separately, ensuring protection against moisture and mold.

bubble_chart Properties and Meridians

Bitter, cold. extremely toxic. Act on heart and liver meridians.

bubble_chart Efficacy

Dispelling wind and dampness, invigorating the blood to unblock collaterals, subduing swelling to relieve pain, killing parasites and removing toxins.

bubble_chart Indications

1. Used for wind-dampness bi pain. This product can support wind-dampness, invigorating the blood to unblock collaterals, and relieve pain. It is particularly effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis, wind-dampness arthritis, and sciatica. It can be used alone, either internally or externally, or in combination with other herbs. It can improve functional activity and reduce pain.
2. Used for sores, abscesses, belt sores, and cutaneous pruritus. This product can dominate toxins with toxins, and has the effects of killing worms and reducing swelling. For heat toxin abscesses and sores, Root Leaf or Flower of Common Threewingnut is paired with toad for mutual reinforcement, removing toxins, killing worms, subduing swelling, and relieving pain. For belt sores, Root Leaf or Flower of Common Threewingnut is ground into powder with Lindera and applied to the affected area. For cutaneous pruritus, the leaves of Root Leaf or Flower of Common Threewingnut are mashed and rubbed on the affected area, providing good effects in killing worms and stopping itching. Additionally, modern clinical practice also uses it to treat chronic nephritis and lupus erythematosus, with certain efficacy.

bubble_chart Documentation

1. 《Chinese Medicinal Flora》: "Root, Leaf, or Flower of Common Threewingnut, bitter, astringent, cold. Toxic. Functions to relax tendons and activate blood, dispelling wind and removing dampness. Indicated for wind-dampness arthritis, traumatic injuries."
2. 《Hunan Medicinal Flora》: "Killing worms, anti-inflammatory, removing toxins."

bubble_chart Usage and Dosage

This product is highly toxic and should be taken orally with caution. For external use, apply an appropriate amount by mashing or grinding into powder for topical application or rubbing. Do not leave the external application on for more than half an hour, as it may cause blistering.

bubble_chart Cautions and Contraindications

Pregnant women and those with weak constitutions should avoid use.

bubble_chart Modern Pharmacology

Root Leaf or Flower of Common Threewingnut contains alkaloids such as Root Leaf or Flower of Common Threewingnut Ding Alkali, Root Leaf or Flower of Common Threewingnut Yang Alkali, Root Leaf or Flower of Common Threewingnut Jin Alkali, Root Leaf or Flower of Common Threewingnut Chun Alkali, and Root Leaf or Flower of Common Threewingnut Zeng Alkali. In addition, Root Leaf or Flower of Common Threewingnut also contains celastrol, Winged Euonymus alcohol, Root Leaf or Flower of Common Threewingnut Jia Su, glucose, tannins, and other substances.

1. The aqueous extract and ethanol extract of Root Leaf or Flower of Common Threewingnut have the ability to kill pear leaf starworms and leaf rollers, but its petroleum ether, ether, or chloroform extracts do not have worm-killing capabilities.
2. Root Leaf or Flower of Common Threewingnut Alkali and Root Leaf or Flower of Common Threewingnut Ding Alkali have anti-tumor effects, showing significant anti-tumor activity against mouse leukemia L1210 and P388, and also inhibit human nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Their anti-tumor effects are related to the presence of epoxy groups and unsaturated lactone rings in their molecular structure.