Efficacy of T2 in Active Crohn’s Disease: A Prospective Study Report

Abstract

To date few therapies have been shown to reliably prevent the evolution of Crohn's disease (CD). The traditional Chinese medicine, Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TWHF), has both immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. Our aim was to investigate the potential efficacy of T2, the major constituent of extracts of TWHF, in inducing remission of active CD. Twenty adult patients with active CD were enrolled to be treated with T2 pills (60 mg daily) for 12 weeks. Plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and interleukin (IL)-1beta were measured at entry and every 2 weeks thereafter until week 12. At each visit the CD Activity Index (CDAI) was calculated. The CD Endoscopic Index of Severity was measured at entry and week 12. Sixteen patients completed the study. A significant decrease in serum levels of CRP, TNF-alpha, and IL-1beta occurred rapidly after commencement of treatment. CDAI scores showed a rapid decline during the first 8 weeks and reached their lowest at week 10. Endoscopic improvements were observed at week 12. In conclusion, T2 appears to be effective for the treatment of mildly or moderately active CD. Further controlled studies are warranted for this promising drug.

On the Use of Herbal Medicines in Management of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Systematic Review of Animal and Human Studies

“…Among them, most studies about curcumin from Curcuma longa demonstrate its potential to reduce proinflammatory cytokines such as IFN-c, TNF-a, IL-1b, and IL-12 [21][22][23][24][25]. A constituent from Trypterigium wilfordii [26] and chios mastic gum from Pistacia lentiscus [27] have reduced proinflammatory cytokines in patients with CD.…”

Extracts ofTripterygium wilfordiiHook F in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials

“…Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive compounds extracted from TwHF have been used for the treatment of a wide spectrum of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including RA [10, 11], ankylosing spondylitis [12, 13], and systemic lupus erythematosus [14]. Additionally, TwHF extracts (TEs) have been demonstrating beneficial effects on nephrotic syndrome [15], Crohn's disease [16], and solid tumours [17]. …”

Immunosuppressant discovery from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook f: the novel triptolide analog (5R)-5-hydroxytriptolide (LLDT-8)

“…Triptolide, an oxygenated diterpene, was identified as the most active component, accounting for the immunosuppressive effects of TwHF [41,42] . Over the past few decades, much research has been conducted on the clinical use of triptolide for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, such as RA, SLE, nephritis [26,[43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52] , psoriasis [27] , and Crohn's disease [53] , and kidney transplantation [54] . However the strong toxicity, particularly with regard to male reproductive toxicity, limits the application of triptolide to a great extent [55][56][57][58] .…”