triptonide

Triptonide is a natural small molecule derived from *Tripterygium wilfordii* ("Thunder God Vine"), a plant long used in traditional Chinese medicine. Triptonide is classified as a diterpene triepoxide with potent pharmacological activity, notably as a **non-hormonal, reversible male contraceptive** and as a potential antitumor agent[1][3][5][7]. It acts by interfering with the final steps of sperm assembly, leading to sperm deformation and severely reduced motility, without affecting hormonal levels (FSH, LH, testosterone) or causing major organ toxicity in animal models[1][2]. Triptonide also exhibits anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, and anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical studies[3][5]. Its toxicity profile is markedly safer than similar compounds such as triptolide[5].

Other names

triptonide