What is "triptolide"

n. (context organic compound medicine English) A diterpenoid lactone that is immunosuppressive with antiinflammatory and antitumor activity

Triptolide, sold under the brandname Minnelide 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.