THUNDER GOD VINE Overview Information
Thunder god vine is an herb. Its leaves and root are used to make medicine.
Thunder god vine is used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), heavy menstrual flows, multiple sclerosis, and as a male contraceptive. It is also used for pockets of infection (abscesses), boils, fever, swelling (inflammation), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), HIV/AIDS, a skin condition called psoriasis, and a blood vessel disease called Behcet's disease.
Thunder god vine is sometimes applied to the skin for rheumatoid arthritis.
Thunder god vine has also been used non-medicinally as an insecticide against maggots or larvae, and as a rat and bird poison.
How does it work?
Thunder god vine might help rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by relieving swelling (inflammation) and by changing the way the immune system responds to the arthritis. Thunder god vine contains chemicals that might decrease male fertility by changing sperm.
THUNDER GOD VINE Uses & Effectiveness 
Possibly Effective for:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Taking thunder god vine by mouth seems to relieve pain and swelling of the joints and improve physical function. It also seems to improve the effectiveness of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) when taken for RA symptoms. Applying a liquid preparation (tincture) of thunder god vine to the skin over affected joints seems to decrease joint tenderness, stiffness, and swelling. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) is currently researching the effectiveness of thunder god vine for rheumatoid arthritis.
Insufficient Evidence for:
- Male contraception. Taking thunder god vine by mouth might be effective as a male contraceptive. Fertility returns about six weeks after men stop taking thunder god vine.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). There is some developing evidence that thunder god vine may be effective for kidney problems (nephritis) associated with SLE.
- A kidney condition called nephrotic syndrome. Beginning research suggests thunder god vine may be effective for nephrotic syndrome in children.
- HIV/AIDS.
- Menstrual pain.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Pockets of infection (abscesses).
- Boils.
- Other conditions.
THUNDER GOD VINE Side Effects & Safety
Thunder god vine appears to be safe for most people when taken by mouth or applied to the skin in appropriate amounts. It can cause many side effects such as stomach upset, skin reactions, missed menstrual periods, vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney problems.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Thunder god vine is UNSAFE to take by mouth during pregnancy. It might cause birth defects.Not enough is known about the safety of using thunder god vine during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Weakened immune system: Large doses of thunder god vine might weaken the immune system. If you already have a weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDS, medications used to reduce the chance of organ transplant rejection, or for other reasons, avoid using thunder god vine. It might decrease your body’s ability to fight off infection.
Weakened bones (osteoporosis): Thunder god vine can reduce bone strength. If you have osteoporosis or are likely to develop it, don’t use thunder god vine.
THUNDER GOD VINE Interactions
Moderate Interaction Be cautious with this combination
- Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with THUNDER GOD VINE
Large doses of thunder god vine might decrease the immune system. Taking thunder god vine along with other medications that decrease the immune system might decrease the immune system too much. Avoid taking thunder god vine with medications that decrease the immune system.
Some medications that decrease the immune system include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others.
THUNDER GOD VINE Dosing
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:
- For rheumatoid arthritis (RA): 180-570 mg of thunder god vine extract per day for up to 20 weeks.
- For kidney problems (nephrotic syndrome) in children: 1 mg per kg of body weight daily for up to 20 weeks.
- For rheumatoid arthritis (RA): a tincture of thunder god vine applied over affected joints five to six times daily.
