Sophora Root Extract
Also known as: Sophora Root Extract, Kushen, Sophora flavescens Aiton
Overview
Sophora Root Extract is derived primarily from the roots of Sophora flavescens, a leguminous plant with a long history of use in East Asian traditional medicine. This extract is rich in bioactive alkaloids, notably matrine and oxymatrine, which are believed to be responsible for its therapeutic effects. It is recognized for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anticancer, and immunomodulatory properties. Contemporary research, including multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, supports its application as an adjunctive therapy in conditions such as ulcerative colitis, various cancers, and for the management of neuropathic pain. The extract is available in various forms, with enteric-coated capsules being studied for improved delivery in gastrointestinal conditions. While traditionally used for a broad range of ailments, modern research has focused on specific, evidence-backed applications, highlighting its potential as a complementary therapeutic agent.
Benefits
Sophora Root Extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily as an adjunctive therapy. For ulcerative colitis, a meta-analysis of 8 RCTs involving 983 patients demonstrated that Sophora flavescens-based treatments significantly improved clinical remission rates (RR=1.20, 95% CI [1.04, 1.38]) and clinical response rates (RR=1.09, 95% CI [1.01, 1.17]) with low to moderate heterogeneity, indicating strong evidence for its efficacy in this population. In oncology, meta-analyses of compound Sophora flavescens injections combined with chemotherapy for advanced esophageal cancer showed improved short-term efficacy, enhanced immune indicators (CD3+, CD4+), and reduced tumor markers (CEA, CA199), suggesting its role in improving treatment outcomes and immune function in cancer patients. For neuropathic pain, particularly bone neuropathic pain induced by tumor metastasis, meta-analytic data indicates significant potential for pain reduction, though with high heterogeneity, suggesting variability in response. Preclinical evidence also points to sedative properties, but clinical translation requires further investigation.
How it works
Sophora Root Extract's therapeutic actions are primarily attributed to its bioactive alkaloids, matrine and oxymatrine. These compounds exert anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, which reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulates immune cell activity. Its anticancer properties involve inducing apoptosis in cancer cells, enhancing immune responses by increasing CD3+ and CD4+ T cell counts, and inhibiting tumor markers. The analgesic effects, particularly in neuropathic pain, are thought to involve the modulation of neural inflammation and pain signaling pathways, though the precise molecular targets are still under investigation. Absorption and bioavailability can vary depending on the formulation, with enteric-coated capsules being developed to optimize delivery, especially for gastrointestinal conditions.
Side effects
Sophora Root Extract is generally considered safe when used within studied dosages, with adverse effects typically mild and infrequent. The most common side effects, reported in over 5% of users, include mild gastrointestinal discomfort and nausea. Less common side effects, occurring in 1-5% of individuals, particularly in studies involving chemotherapy adjunct therapy, include leukopenia (reduced white blood cell count) and thrombocytopenia (reduced platelet count). Rare side effects, observed in less than 1% of cases, may include hemoglobin reduction and sedation-related effects. Caution is advised regarding potential drug interactions, especially with immunosuppressants or chemotherapy agents, due to its immunomodulatory and anticancer properties. Contraindications include pregnancy and breastfeeding, as safety in these populations has not been adequately studied. While primarily studied in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and cancer, safety data for healthy populations are less extensive.
Dosage
Dosage recommendations for Sophora Root Extract vary significantly based on the specific indication and the formulation used, as the optimal ranges and maximum safe doses are not fully standardized due to variability in extract preparations. For ulcerative colitis, clinical trials have utilized enteric-coated capsules, with dosages standardized to alkaloid content, typically administered over several weeks to months. Longer treatment durations, often exceeding two months, have been associated with improved outcomes and reduced heterogeneity in meta-analyses. For gastrointestinal indications, enteric-coated formulations are generally favored to enhance bioavailability and minimize gastric irritation. While specific cofactors for absorption are not clearly established, co-administration with food may enhance absorption. It is important to note that most high-quality evidence supports its use as an adjunctive therapy, and dosages should be determined in consultation with a healthcare professional, especially given its use in complex conditions like cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.
FAQs
Is Sophora Root Extract safe for long-term use?
Current evidence supports its safety for medium-term use (up to several months) in clinical populations. However, long-term safety data beyond this period are limited, and continued use should be monitored by a healthcare professional.
Can it be used alone or only as adjunct therapy?
Most high-quality evidence, particularly in cancer and ulcerative colitis, supports its use as an adjunctive therapy alongside conventional treatments, rather than as a standalone treatment.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Clinical remission in ulcerative colitis and pain relief in neuropathic conditions are typically observed after several weeks of consistent treatment, rather than immediately.
Does it cause sedation?
While preclinical studies suggest sedative effects, these are not prominent in clinical studies. However, caution is advised if combined with other central nervous system depressants.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11611551/ – This meta-analysis investigated the efficacy of Sophora flavescens in treating tumor-induced neuropathic pain. It found significant pain reduction but noted high heterogeneity among studies, which was partially addressed through subgroup analyses based on treatment duration and dosage.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.603476/full – This meta-analysis of 8 RCTs (n=983) evaluated Sophora flavescens-based treatments for ulcerative colitis. It concluded that these treatments significantly improved clinical remission and response rates compared to controls, with low to moderate heterogeneity, supporting its efficacy.
- https://jgo.amegroups.org/article/view/59644/html – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on compound Sophora flavescens injections combined with chemotherapy for advanced esophageal cancer. It reported improved short-term efficacy, enhanced immune indicators (CD3+, CD4+), and reduced tumor markers, with a manageable safety profile.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35069773/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed Five-Flavor Sophora capsules for ulcerative colitis. It confirmed the efficacy and safety of this formulation in treating ulcerative colitis, adhering to Cochrane-standard methodology, despite some heterogeneity in formulations.
- https://www.biomolther.org/journal/view.html?uid=836&vmd=Full – This preclinical study investigated the sedative effects of Sophora flavescens and its compound matrine. It suggested that these compounds exhibit sedative properties, potentially through the modulation of NF-κB signaling pathways, providing a mechanistic basis for potential CNS effects.
