Department of Physiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing.
CNS Neurosci Ther. 2013 Feb;19(2):76-82. doi: 10.1111/cns.12039. Epub 2012 Dec 18.
Tripterygium wilfordii Hook.f. (TWHF) has a long history as a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herb that aids in treating inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The major bioactive component of TWHF is triptolide, which has been recognized to possess a broad spectrum of biological profiles including antiinflammatory, immunosuppressive, antifertility, and antitumor activities, as well as neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects. Limitation of triptolide, such as poor water solubility and severe systemic toxicity, has postponed clinical development and trials; however, the wide range of medicinal value of triptolide has been drawing intensive worldwide attention. In particular, triptolide has been shown to have significant effects on central nervous system (CNS) diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, spinal cord and brain injury, and multiple sclerosis. This review focuses on the potential therapeutic role of triptolide on CNS diseases, and discusses the structural features, potential modifications, and the other pharmacological activities of triptolide.
雷公藤（Tripterygium wilfordii Hook.f.，TWHF）作为一种传统中药已有悠久的历史，可辅助治疗炎症和自身免疫性疾病。TWHF 的主要生物活性成分是雷公藤红素，已被证实具有广泛的生物学特性，包括抗炎、免疫抑制、抗生育和抗肿瘤活性，以及神经营养和神经保护作用。雷公藤红素的局限性，如较差的水溶性和严重的全身毒性，推迟了其临床开发和试验；然而，雷公藤红素的广泛药用价值引起了全球的关注。特别是，雷公藤红素在中枢神经系统（CNS）疾病方面显示出显著的作用，如帕金森病、阿尔茨海默病、脊髓和脑损伤以及多发性硬化症。本综述重点讨论了雷公藤红素在 CNS 疾病方面的潜在治疗作用，并讨论了雷公藤红素的结构特征、潜在修饰和其他药理学活性。
