Bitter-root sophora / ku shen (苦参)
Sophora flavescens
Photo credit: Unknown (see Wikimedia Commons)
This plant carries serious safety risks. All information is for educational reference only.
Safety information
Toxicity: Matrine has documented hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and developmental toxicity; high oral/injected doses -> liver injury, cardiac effects, neurological signs. Crude herb intensely bitter and harsh.
Contraindications: Spleen-stomach deficiency/cold; pregnancy; hepatic impairment; avoid high doses/prolonged use.
Interactions: Classic incompatibility with Veratrum (li lu); additive hepatic/cardiac risk with hepatotoxic/cardioactive drugs.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Avoid in pregnancy.
Evidence level
Supported by clinical trials in humans.
Preparations
This plant carries serious safety risks. All information is for educational reference only.
wash/topical · root
Part used: root
in formula · root
Part used: root
decoction · root
Part used: root
Traditional use: clears heat, dries dampness, kills parasites, stops itch, promotes urination; damp-heat dysentery/jaundice, skin eczema/itch, vaginal trichomonas, arrhythmia (folk)
Proposed mechanism: matrine-type alkaloids (matrine, oxymatrine, sophocarpine) — anti-inflammatory, antiarrhythmic, antiviral, antitumor
Dosage note (descriptive only): used cautiously
Reference only — not a dosage instruction
Associated conditions
Nutritional notes
n/a
Healing traditions
Sources (2)
- [E34] matrine pharmacology/PK/toxicity review (J. Ethnopharmacol)
- [E35] matrine liver-injury systematic review/meta-analysis