Sophora
Sophora, commonly known as mountain laurel or brushbox, is a versatile genus of flowering plants valued in traditional medicine. Renowned for its diverse phytochemical properties, various species are utilized to treat ailments ranging from skin conditions to inflammation. Its unique botanical characteristics make it a subject of significant pharmacological interest.
- Scientific name: Sophora
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fabales, it is classified under the family Fabaceae. It is further identified by the genus Sophora.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Sophora | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Sophora, is referred to by various names across different languages and regions. In Polish, it is called Szupin, while in the Udmurt language, it is known as Софора. Similarly, in Belarusian, the name used is Сафора, and in the Mari language, it is also called Софора. Additionally, in Estonian, the plant is referred to as Keepuu.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pl | Szupin | Wikidata |
| udm | Софора | Wikidata |
| be | Сафора | Wikidata |
| et | Keepuu | Wikidata |
| mrj | Софора | Wikidata |
| vi | Chi Khổ sâm | Wikidata |
| koi | Софора | Wikidata |
| sv | Soforasläktet | Wikidata |
| eo | Soforo | Wikidata |
| yi | סאפארא | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range stretching across several distinct regions of the continent. In Northern Europe, its presence can be documented within the borders of Great Britain. Moving toward Southeastern Europe, the species is found in Romania as well as in the European portion of Türkiye. Its distribution extends further into Eastern Europe, specifically encompassing the territory of Krym. Finally, the plant reaches its easternmost limits within East European Russia.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Romania | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Türkiye-in-Europe | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | Krym | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | East European Russia | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | South European Russia | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | Ukraine | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known as Sophora, possesses various anatomical features that are utilized in traditional medicine. The reproductive cycle begins with the development of the flower-bud, a delicate stage where the medicinal properties begin to concentrate. As it matures, the flower-bud transitions into a full, vibrant flower, which often serves as a key indicator of the plant's seasonal potency. Finally, the process culminates in the production of the fruit, which contains the seeds and serves as a critical component in many botanical studies and therapeutic preparations.- Total parts
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| fruit | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flower-bud | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flower bud | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flower | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Sophora has 11 reported phytochemicals identified across 12 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, Oxymatrine, Sophoraflavanone G, chromones, coumarins.
- Total chemicals
- 11
- Scientific sources
- 12
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Oxymatrine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Sophoraflavanone G | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chromones | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| coumarins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavanol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| isoflavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oxymatrine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| saponins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sterols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Sophora has 9 reported activities identified across 17 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Antiviral.
- Total activities
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 17
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Anticancer | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antipyretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiulcer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Sophora has 14 reported medicinal uses identified across 16 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, inflammation, arthritis, gastric ulcer, gastric ulcers.
- Total uses
- 14
- Scientific sources
- 16
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| arthritis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastric ulcer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastric ulcers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hyperglycemia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hyperlipemia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| obesity | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| osteoporosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ovarian cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |