Triptolide (TP)

Triptolide is a diterpenoid epoxide found in the Thunder God Vine, Tripterygium wilfordii. It has in vitro and in vivo activities against mouse models of polycystic kidney disease and pancreatic cancer, but its physical properties limit its therapeutic potential. Consequently, a synthetic prodrug, minnelide, is being studied clinically instead.

Except its anti-tumor effects, TP also shows multiple pharmacological side activities, such as anti-inflammatory, immune-suppressive and male anti-fertility. In order to reduce these side effects, especially the immuno-suppressive activity when used to cure cancer, a novel polymeric micelle system containing TP (TP-PM) was constructed. The immune-modulation effects of TP-PM have been evaluated by previous studies.