Flos Sophorae
Also known as: Flos Sophorae, Huaihua, Japanese pagoda tree flower buds, Sophora japonica
Overview
Flos Sophorae refers to the dried flower buds of *Sophora japonica*, a tree native to East Asia. It is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) botanical extract primarily used for its hemostatic (bleeding-stopping) properties and in the treatment of bleeding disorders such as haemorrhoids and haematemesis. The flower buds are rich in bioactive flavonoids and inorganic elements, which are believed to contribute to its medicinal effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory actions. While traditional use is extensive, research on Flos Sophorae is of moderate maturity, with some phytochemical analyses and preliminary clinical trials, but a limited number of large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses specifically on this ingredient.
Benefits
Flos Sophorae exhibits several potential benefits, primarily due to its rich flavonoid content. It is traditionally recognized for its hemostatic and anti-bleeding effects; a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on symptomatic haemorrhoids showed an 87% symptom improvement after 7 days and 78.2% asymptomatic after 14 days with a *Sophora* flower formula, though statistical significance against placebo was not reached, possibly due to small sample size. The flavonoids also confer anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, with research indicating modulation of inflammatory pathways, including upregulation of COX-2, PGE2, and TNF-α in macrophages. Phytochemical analysis has identified 173 flavonoid metabolites and 16 inorganic elements, some of which are associated with ameliorating major diseases and may influence flavonoid metabolism and efficacy. While some traditional uses include external application for skin conditions like psoriasis vulgaris, direct evidence for Flos Sophorae alone in this context is limited.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for Flos Sophorae is attributed to its rich content of flavonoids, which exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hemostatic effects. These compounds modulate immune responses by activating macrophages and increasing the production of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) through the MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. The inorganic elements present in the flower buds, such as Ca, P, K, Fe, and Cu, are also believed to play a role by influencing flavonoid synthesis and bioavailability, thereby affecting the overall pharmacological activity and efficacy of the plant material.
Side effects
Based on current research, Flos Sophorae appears to have a favorable safety profile. A clinical trial investigating a *Sophora* flower formula for haemorrhoids reported it as clinically safe with no significant adverse events. No major side effects or toxicity have been consistently reported across the reviewed studies. Furthermore, there are no documented significant drug interactions or contraindications. However, it is important to note that the overall body of large-scale safety data is limited. Therefore, while preliminary evidence suggests good tolerability, caution is advised, and further comprehensive toxicology studies and larger clinical trials are needed to fully establish its long-term safety and potential interactions with medications or specific health conditions.
Dosage
Specific dosing guidelines for Flos Sophorae are not well-established due to the limited number of large-scale clinical trials. While a traditional formula containing *Sophora* flower was used in a haemorrhoid study for 7-14 days, the exact dosage of Flos Sophorae within that formula was not detailed. Traditional use often involves dried flower bud extracts or formulas. It is known that the optimal harvesting time significantly affects the flavonoid content and overall quality of Flos Sophorae, suggesting that the maturity stage of the flower buds should be considered for maximal efficacy. Without more robust clinical data, a standardized dosage cannot be definitively recommended, and usage should ideally be guided by a qualified healthcare professional, especially when considering traditional preparations.
FAQs
Is Flos Sophorae effective for bleeding disorders?
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests potential benefits for bleeding disorders like haemorrhoids, but larger, well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm its efficacy conclusively.
Are there safety concerns with Flos Sophorae?
Current evidence indicates a good safety profile with no significant adverse events reported in preliminary studies. However, comprehensive toxicology studies and large-scale safety data are still lacking.
How should Flos Sophorae be taken?
Traditionally, it is used as a dried flower bud extract or as part of a herbal formula. Exact dosing requires further research, and guidance from a healthcare professional is recommended.
What are the main active compounds in Flos Sophorae?
The primary active compounds are flavonoids, which contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hemostatic properties. Inorganic elements also play a role in its overall pharmacological activity.
Can Flos Sophorae be used for anti-inflammatory purposes?
Yes, research indicates that flavonoids in Flos Sophorae have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects by influencing inflammatory pathways and activating macrophages.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3746583/ – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated a *Sophora* flower formula for symptomatic haemorrhoids. It reported symptom improvement in the treatment group (87% after 7 days, 78.2% asymptomatic after 14 days) but no statistically significant difference from placebo, possibly due to small sample size and confounding factors. The formula was deemed clinically safe.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2023.1255637/full – This phytochemical analysis used advanced techniques (ICP-OES and UPLC-ESI-Q TRAP-MS/MS) to identify 173 flavonoid metabolites and 16 inorganic elements in Flos Sophorae at different maturity stages. The study provides a biochemical basis for quality control and suggests that maturity influences the content of bioactive compounds, impacting potential efficacy.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9924682/ – This systematic review examined external Chinese herbal medicine applications for psoriasis vulgaris, including some formulations containing Flos Sophorae. While it found some efficacy and safety for external use, the review highlighted heterogeneity among studies and limited direct evidence specifically for Flos Sophorae alone, making it difficult to isolate its individual effects.
- https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/The-effect-of-rexflavone-(Sophorae-Fructus-Extract)-Lee-Kim/41c16652cb94a135baab76a5d2742d97d7e9feb9 – This experimental study investigated the effect of Sophorae Fructus extract on macrophage activation. It demonstrated that the extract increased the production of PGE2 and TNF-α via MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways, indicating immunomodulatory effects. This mechanistic study provides insight into how compounds from *Sophora* may exert anti-inflammatory actions at a cellular level.
