Sophora alopecuroides
What's the taxonomical classification of Sophora alopecuroides?
Sophora alopecuroides belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. As a member of the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, this plant falls under the order Fabales. It is further categorized into the family Fabaceae, which is characteristic of many nitrogen-fixing legumes. Within this family, it is placed in the genus Sophora, ultimately being identified by its specific species name, alopecuroides.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Sophora |
| Species | alopecuroides |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Sophora alopecuroides has pinnately compound leaves with numerous small, oblong leaflets and small, pale yellow flowers that emerge from axillary clusters. The foliage is characterized by a dense, hairy texture on both the surfaces of the leaflets and the stems. Its stems are woody and can develop a somewhat scrambling or climbing habit depending on the environment. The plant produces small, elongated legume pods that contain the seeds. These morphological traits are adapted to help the plant thrive in specific tropical or subtropical habitats.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the subtropical and tropical regions of East Asia, specifically occurring in parts of China, Taiwan, and Japan. Its distribution is primarily concentrated in southern provinces where humid climates prevail. Within these regions, it can be found growing in various habitats ranging from forest edges to shrublands. The species thrives in specific environmental niches that provide the necessary moisture and temperature profiles for its growth. Detailed botanical records indicate that its range is somewhat limited to these particular temperate to subtropical zones.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires well-drained, sandy soil and full sunlight to thrive in temperate or subtropical climates.
It should be planted in locations where it can avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot. Regular watering is necessary during the establishment phase, but the species is relatively drought-tolerant once mature. Providing organic mulch can help maintain consistent soil moisture and temperature throughout the growing season.
Proper cultivation often involves minimal pruning to allow its natural growth habit to develop.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Sophora alopecuroides is used medicinally through its aerial parts, leaf, root, seed, and stem. The roots are frequently utilized in traditional remedies to treat various ailments. Both the leaves and the stems are harvested to prepare infusions or topical applications. The seeds also contain bioactive compounds that contribute to its therapeutic profile. By utilizing these diverse components, practitioners can target specific health concerns effectively.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural products", the aerial parts of Sophora alopecuroides were used to isolate a new matrine-type alkaloid named 7alpha-hydroxysophoramine (1). This specific compound was found alongside 8 known alkaloids. These include 12beta-hydroxysophocarpine (2), sophoramine (3), 14beta-hydroxymatrine, matrine, sophoridine, sophocarpine, adenocarpine, and baptifoline. The structures of compounds 1-3 were confirmed through single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- aerial parts
- leaf
- root
- seed
- stem
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant Sophora alopecuroides is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to clear heat, resolve toxicity, and reduce swelling through its root bark known as Ku Shen. Historically, practitioners have prescribed it to treat various dermatological conditions such as itchy skin, eczema, and fungal infections. The plant's bioactive alkaloids provide potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that have been central to its medicinal applications for centuries. Beyond topical uses, it has also been incorporated into formulas to address internal issues like damp-heat in the lower abdomen. These longstanding practices continue to inform modern pharmacological research into its therapeutic potential.
According to a study published by "Frontiers in microbiology", Sophora alopecuroides L. is a traditional Chinese medicine used for the treatment of several different disease states including bacillary dysentery and enteritis. It also plays a role as an anti-tumor agent. The medicinal compounds include quinolizidine alkaloids (QA s) housed within the seeds of Sophora alopecuroides. Analysis involved 33 samples sourced from 11 different sampling sites to explore these bioactive metabolites. This research provides a scientific basis for using biological fertilization strategies to improve the quality of Sophora alopecuroides.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Sophora alopecuroides?
This plant has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-tumor, and antibacterial pharmacological activities. Its bioactive compounds work to alleviate pain and reduce swelling in various biological models. The presence of natural antioxidants helps neutralize free radicals, thereby protecting cells from oxidative stress. Furthermore, specific extracts demonstrate the ability to inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells and harmful bacteria. These diverse properties make the species a significant subject for modern drug discovery and natural medicine research.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Sophora alopecuroides L. has been used for decades to treat fever, bacterial infection, heart disease, rheumatism, and gastrointestinal diseases. A total of 128 compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, and polysaccharides, were isolated from the plant. The pharmacological activities of Sophora alopecuroides and its active components include anticancer, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic, and neuroprotective functions. It also possesses protective properties against pulmonary fibrosis and cardiac fibroblast proliferation. Modern studies have specifically demonstrated prominent bioactivities regarding gynecological inflammation, hepatitis B, and anticancer activities.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- analgesic
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-oxidative
- anti-tumor
- antimicrobial
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the quinolizidine alkaloids matrine, sophocarpine, oxymatrine, oxysophocarpine, and sophoridine. These bioactive chemical constituents are responsible for many of the therapeutic properties attributed to the species. Researchers have studied these specific compounds for their potential pharmacological effects on the central nervous system and various metabolic processes. The concentration of these alkaloids can vary significantly depending on the environmental conditions during growth. Understanding the chemical profile of these substances is essential for developing standardized herbal medicines.
According to a study published by "Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica", seven alkaloids were isolated from the seed of Sophora alopecuroides. These specific compounds were identified as oxymatrin, oxysophocarpine, cytisine, matrine, sophocarpine, sophoridine, and nicotine. This study marked the first time that nicotine was isolated from Sophora. The research involved carrying out in vitro tests to evaluate the activity of the extracts and alkaloids against cancer, virus, dermatophytes, and bacteria.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- matrine
- oxymatrine
- sophocarpine
- sophoridine
- alopecines A-E
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating bacillary dysentery, dysentery, enteritis, colitis, and ulcerative colitis. These various intestinal inflammatory and infectious conditions are addressed through its medicinal properties. Practitioners often utilize its components to soothe the lining of the digestive tract. By targeting these specific gastrointestinal ailments, the plant helps manage severe abdominal distress and irregular bowel movements. Such applications focus on reducing inflammation throughout the entire intestinal system.
According to a study published by "Frontiers in microbiology", Sophora alopecuroides L. is used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of several different disease states. These specific conditions include bacillary dysentery and enteritis. Furthermore, the plant plays a role as an anti-tumor agent. The research also investigated the relationship between endophytes and quinolizidine alkaloids (QAs) housed within the seeds of Sophora alopecuroides. This study utilized 33 samples sourced from 11 different sampling sites to explore these medicinal properties.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- dysentery
- bacillary dysentery
- colitis
- ulcerative colitis
- gastric cancer
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Sophora alopecuroides, which is used to create various medicinal herbal preparations including its methanol extract to study bioactive compounds. Researchers often utilize the methanol extract to isolate specific alkaloids and flavonoids that demonstrate potential therapeutic properties. These preparations are frequently investigated for their ability to influence biological pathways related to inflammation and cellular protection. Scientific studies focus on how these concentrated extracts interact with specific receptors in the body. Through these controlled preparations, the medicinal potential of the plant can be more accurately assessed and quantified.
According to a study published by "Microscopy research and technique", six different solvents were used to prepare Sophora alopecuroides seed extracts. The methanol extract contained 93.76 ± 2.71 GAE/mg of phenolic contents and 77 ± 3.60 QE/mg of flavonoid contents, while also demonstrating a highest DPPH scavenging potential of 82%. For LOSM, a total antioxidant capacity of 90.60 ± 1.55 alpha amylase enzyme [AAE]/mg and a total reducing power of 94.44 ± 1.38 AAE/mg were determined. The SASM showed the highest alpha amylase inhibition at 78.20 ± 1.58%. Additionally, the n-hexane extract (SASH) had a highest LD50 of brine shrimp at 13.03 μg/ml.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- methanol extract
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can provide significant therapeutic benefits through its anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antibacterial properties. These medicinal characteristics make it a valuable resource in treating various infections and cellular irregularities. Specifically, the plant is utilized in traditional medicine to combat gastrointestinal ailments like dysentery and enteritis. By targeting harmful pathogens, it helps soothe intestinal inflammation and restore digestive health. Researchers continue to study these bioactive compounds to better understand their full impact on human wellness.
According to a study published by "Journal of proteomics", Sophora alopecuroides is a medicinal plant known for its anti-tumor, anti-inflammatoroy, and antibacterial effects, as well as its anti-saline properties and resistance to drought stress. Proteomic profiling of the leaves was performed under salt stress conditions induced by 150 mM NaCl for 3 d and 7 d. The study identified a total of 434 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) in response to these salt stress conditions. While several transporter proteins related to the secondary messenger signaling pathway were altered after 3 d, certain transferase, oxidoreductase, and dehydrogenase levels were mainly altered after 7 d. These findings were validated through parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) and data are available on ProteomeXchange under PXD027627.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-tumor
- antibacterial
- dysentery
- enteritis
What herbs are paired with Sophora alopecuroides?
This plant Sophora alopecuroides is traditionally paired with herbs such as Scutellaria baicalensis, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, and Poria cocos to create balanced medicinal formulas.
These combinations are specifically designed to address internal heat and dampness within the body. By incorporating Glycyrrhiza uralensis, practitioners aim to harmonize the various herbal components and mitigate potential toxicity. The addition of Scutellaria baicalensis enhances the cooling properties of the mixture to clear more intense inflammatory responses.
These precise pairings ensure that the formula remains effective while maintaining physiological equilibrium.