Taming the thunder god vine: Antiviral terpenoids from Tripterygium wilfordii

Tripterygium wilfordii (commonly known as thunder god vine), a perennial woody vine of the Celastraceae family predominantly distributed in southern China, has held a significant place in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries. Its roots and leaves are rich repositories of diverse bioactive compounds, including the well-known Triptolide and Celastrol. Among these constituents, terpenoids stand out as a major and structurally complex class of phytochemicals that are fundamental to the plant's documented medicinal properties. Terpenoids have demonstrated particularly potent and unique antiviral effects against a range of specific viruses, positioning them as a highly promising class for antiviral drug discovery. Their inherent structural diversity presents significant opportunities for targeted modifications aimed at optimizing pharmacological profiles, such as enhancing potency and reducing potential toxicity. This review systematically summarizes the traditional applications and chemical profile of Tripterygium wilfordii, with a specific focus on the structural classification and antiviral mechanisms of its constituent terpenoids. We will detail their efficacy against specific viral targets, elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of action, and highlight recent advances in structural modification strategies. Ultimately, this synthesis seeks to provide a robust theoretical foundation for the rational development of Tripterygium wilfordii-derived terpenoids as novel antiviral agents.