Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (28): 7332-7339.doi: 10.12307/2026.809

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Molecular mechanisms of active compounds from Tripterygium wilfordii in prevention and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Zhang Hongrui1, 2, Wu Ruiqi1, 2, Wang Wenchi1, 2, Peng Qinglin1, Cui Wei1   

  1. 1Affiliated Ruikang Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China; 2Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530299, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
  • Received:2025-08-13 Revised:2025-12-12 Online:2026-10-08 Published:2026-02-11
  • Contact: Cui Wei, Chief physician, Professor, Master’s supervisor, Affiliated Ruikang Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
  • About author:Zhang Hongrui, MS candidate, Affiliated Ruikang Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China; Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530299, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
  • Supported by:
    Guangxi Natural Science Foundation, No. 2023JJA140318 (to CW); Graduate Education Innovation Program of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, No. YCBXJ2025029 (to WRQ); Category A Project of the “Guipai Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance and Innovation Team” of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, No.2022A004 (to CW); Guangxi Young Qihuang Scholar Training Program, No. [2022]13; Promotion and Application Project of Appropriate Techniques in Traditional Chinese and Ethnic Medicine in Guangxi, No. GZSY23-13 

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Currently, traditional Chinese medicine has been proven to play a significant role in combating rheumatoid arthritis. The efficacy and mechanisms of active components of Tripterygium wilfordii against rheumatoid arthritis have gained increasing recognition among researchers.
OBJECTIVE: To summarize the research progress on the anti-rheumatoid arthritis effects of active components from Tripterygium wilfordii in vitro and in vivo.
METHODS: Relevant literature published from inception to March 2025 was retrieved from CNKI, WanFang, VIP, and PubMed databases. Search terms included “rheumatoid arthritis, synovial cells, bone erosion, osteoclast, Tripterygium wilfordii, signal path” in Chinese and English. Eighty-seven articles were ultimately selected for review.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Triptolide effectively alleviates joint inflammation and inhibits the abnormal proliferation and migration of fibroblast-like synoviocytes. Triptolide inhibits the production of downstream pro-inflammatory factors (such as interleukin-6 and interleukin-17) by blocking Janus kinase 2/signal transduction and transcription activator factor 3 signal transduction mediated by interleukin-6 and soluble interleukin-6 receptors.. Additionally, triptolide reduces the expression of circRNA0003353 in rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes in a time-dependent manner. Concurrently, triptolide elevates the level of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-4, diminishes cell viability, and impairs migration capacity. These effects collectively demonstrate its dual potential in exerting anti-inflammatory actions and inhibiting pathological synovial hyperplasia. (2) Tripterine significantly reduces joint swelling, synovial hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration, and bone erosion. By inhibiting the reactive oxygen species/nuclear factor kappa B/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 signaling pathway, tripterine decreases the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 in serum and immune cells. In collagen-induced arthritis rat models, tripterine significantly reduces the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 1β by inducing autophagy and inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway, exerting cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. (3) Wilforine inhibits rheumatoid arthritis inflammation and potentially modulates bone metabolism. In rat models of collagen-induced arthritis, Wilforine downregulates interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor α levels, and exerted its therapeutic effect by inhibiting the abnormally activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. (4) Active components of Tripterygium wilfordii exhibit promising therapeutic effects against rheumatoid arthritis. However, their mechanisms are complex, involving interactions among multiple genes, proteins, and signaling pathways. Current research has not yet fully elucidated the specific mechanisms of action of the active ingredients in Tripterygium wilfordii, which limits their broad clinical application. Future studies should further explore the molecular mechanisms of active ingredients of Tripterygium wilfordii, as well as conducting large-scale clinical trials to validate their efficacy and safety. Additionally, combination strategies with other therapeutic agents ought to be explored to achieve enhanced treatment outcomes. 

Key words: Tripterygium wilfordii, rheumatoid arthritis, synovial cells, bone erosion, osteoclast, signaling pathway, pathogenesis

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