PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 17 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Sophora tetraptera is a woody legume endemic to New Zealand containing alkaloids such as cytisine [PMID:26253652, PMID:18238803].
Background
Sophora tetraptera is a woody genus of the Leguminosae native to New Zealand [PMID:18238803, PMID:29461510]. It is characterized by an unusual sequence of floral organ development [PMID:18238803].
Traditional uses
Cytisine, a plant extract found in Sophora tetraptera, has been explored for its potential as a 'rongoā Māori' (traditional Māori remedy) to assist indigenous people in smoking cessation [PMID:21385905].
Active compounds
The plant contains alkaloids, with cytisine, N-methyl cytisine, and matrine identified as major components [PMID:26253652].
Mechanism of action
Cytisine has a molecular makeup similar to nicotine [PMID:21385905].
Clinical evidence
Evidence CSmoking Cessation
Cytisine (found in S. tetraptera) has been reported in reviews to be twice as effective as a placebo for smoking cessation [PMID:21385905].
Safety & adverse effects
Sophora species are mentioned in the context of poisonous plants in New Zealand that can cause harm following exposure [PMID:23321887].
Evidence summary
Evidence is limited primarily to phytochemical analysis and qualitative exploration of traditional use; clinical efficacy for smoking cessation is cited via review of cytisine rather than S. tetraptera specifically.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 26253652 (2015) — Alkaloid variation in New Zealand kōwhai, Sophora species. · Phytochemistry
- 2.PMID: 23321887 (2012) — Poisonous plants in New Zealand: a review of those that are most commonly enquired about to the National Poisons Centre. · The New Zealand medical journal
- 3.PMID: 29461510 (2018) — Genetic Variation and Hybridisation among Eight Species of kōwhai (Sophora: Fabaceae) from New Zealand Revealed by Microsatellite Markers. · Genes
- 4.PMID: 21385905 (2011) — Cytisine's potential to be used as a traditional healing method to help indigenous people stop smoking: a qualitative study with Māori. · Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco
- 5.PMID: 18238803 (2008) — Quantitative expression analysis of the ABC genes in Sophora tetraptera, a woody legume with an unusual sequence of floral organ development.