Single Herb Glossary
Kǔ Shēn 苦參
| Pharmaceutical name | Sophorae Flavescentis Radix Sophora flavescens root |
| Category | Clear Heat, Dry Dampness |
| Key Properties | Expels wind Stops itching Promotes urination |
| Properties | Bitter Cold |
| Tropism | UB, HT, LV, LI, ST, SI |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Clears Heat & Dries Dampness (Jaundice) 2) Disperses Wind, Kills Parasites, and Stops Itching (Lower Jiao) 3) Clears Heat & Promotes Urination |
| Dosages | 3-9g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: Def & Cold of SP & ST |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Alkaloids (matrine, oxymatrine, sophocarpine, sophoramine, sophoridine, sophoranol, anagyrine, N-methylcystisine, baptifoline), flavonoids (kushenols, kurarinol, formononetin), triterpenoids (soyasaponin) |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Antiarrhythmic: demonstrated promise in treatment of arrhythmia, especially if condition induced by excessive amounts of adrenaline or aconite poisoning • Cardiovascular: alkaloids shown to dilate blood vessels and increase blood perfusion to cardiac muscles; in anesthetized rabbits, lowered blood pressure, dilated peripheral blood vessels, and protected the heart from ischemia; lowers blood cholesterol levels • Immunostimulant: intravenous or intramuscular injections of d-oxymatrine associated with increase in white blood cell count in mice • Respiratory: stimulates beta receptors of sympathetic nervous system to relax the bronchiole and relieve asthma; alkaloids over 90% effective in relieving asthma within one hour; marked expectorant effect • Antibiotic: marked inhibitory action against Bacillus dysenteriae, E. coli, Bacillus proteus, β-hemolytic streptococcus, and S. aureus • Antiparasitic: effective against trichomonas infection, with effects comparable to She Chuang Zi (Fructus Cnidii) • Antineoplastic: matrine, sophocarpine, and decoction demonstrated preliminary antineoplastic effects in laboratory mice |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Incompatible with Li Lu (Veratri nigri Radix et Rhizoma) |
| Classical Formula(s) |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.