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PubMed · Biological Activities and Secondary Metabolites from <i>Sophora tonkinensis</i> and Its Endophytic Fungi. (2022)
PubMed · Sophora tonkinensis: response and adaptation of physiological characteristics, functional traits, and secondary metabolites to drought stress. (2023)
Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals
How does Sophora tonkinensis work as an anti-inflammatory?
Sophora tonkinensis contains bioactive alkaloids, primarily matrine and oxymatrine, which exert anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects through multiple pathways. These compounds modulate inflammatory cytokines and inhibit NF-κB signaling pathways. The root also contains sophocarpine and flavonoids that contribute to its therapeutic activity. These constituents demonstrate activity against various respiratory pathogens and help reduce inflammation in throat and tonsillar tissues. Evidence level: C (preclinical and traditional use data support these mechanisms, though human clinical trials are limited).
Does Sophora tonkinensis interact with any medications?
Sophora tonkinensis may interact with medications metabolized by the liver, as it contains hepatotoxic compounds in high doses. Due to its potential cardiotoxicity, it should be used cautiously with cardiac medications, antiarrhythmics, or drugs affecting heart rhythm. Patients taking hepatotoxic medications should avoid concurrent use. No formal drug interaction studies exist in humans. Patients should consult a qualified healthcare provider before combining this herb with prescription medications. Evidence level: C (based on pharmacological properties and traditional knowledge).
What is the correct dosage of Sophora tonkinensis root?
The traditional adult dosage for Sophora tonkinensis is 3-6 grams of dried root prepared as a decoction. This dosage is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine texts and pharmacopoeial standards. The root should be boiled in water to create a tea for oral consumption. Higher doses increase the risk of adverse effects, including cardiotoxicity and gastrointestinal upset. Dosage should be individualized based on the specific condition being treated and under guidance from a qualified TCM practitioner. Evidence level: Traditional/C.
Is Sophora tonkinensis safe to take during pregnancy?
No, Sophora tonkinensis is contraindicated during pregnancy and should not be used. The herb contains quinolizidine alkaloids, including matrine and oxymatrine, which may cause uterine stimulation and pose risks to fetal development. Traditional Chinese Medicine texts explicitly list pregnancy as a contraindication. Additionally, the potential for cardiotoxicity and hepatotoxicity further supports avoiding this herb while pregnant or breastfeeding. Women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy should consult their healthcare provider for alternative treatments. Evidence level: C.
What is Sophora tonkinensis used for in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sophora tonkinensis (Shan Dou Gen) is primarily used to treat throat and respiratory conditions. Its main indications include sore throat, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, and respiratory infections. The root is valued for its heat-clearing and detoxifying properties, making it useful for inflammatory conditions of the upper respiratory tract. It has also been traditionally used for skin conditions and as an antimicrobial agent. Modern research supports antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, though clinical evidence remains limited. Evidence level: C.
What are the side effects of Sophora tonkinensis?
Common side effects of Sophora tonkinensis include gastrointestinal upset, nausea, and vomiting, particularly at higher doses. More serious concerns involve cardiotoxicity, which can occur with overdose or prolonged use, potentially causing arrhythmias or cardiac dysfunction. Hepatotoxicity has also been reported with excessive doses. Patients with pre-existing liver disease or heart conditions should avoid this herb entirely. Symptoms of toxicity may include dizziness, palpitations, or jaundice. Immediate medical attention should be sought if serious adverse effects occur. Evidence level: C (based on traditional knowledge and case reports).
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 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Sophora tonkinensis is a medicinal plant indigenous to China and Vietnam, primarily used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antiviral properties [PMID:36080327, 39687702].
Background
Sophora tonkinensis (Fabaceae) is a characteristic shrub of karst areas, often grown naturally on limestone mountains or cultivated in arable land [PMID:39687702, 37815250]. Its roots and rhizomes are known as 'Shan Dou Gen' in traditional Chinese medicine and Miao ethnopharmacy [PMID:36080327, 41297683].
Traditional uses
Traditionally used for the treatment of lung, stomach, and throat diseases [PMID:36080327], as well as for clearing heat, detoxifying, subduing swelling, and relieving the pharynx [PMID:41158134, 42141777]. It is also used for treating mouth sores and swelling of the gums and tongue due to 'flame stomach fire' [PMID:32468852].
Active compounds
The plant contains a wide array of bioactive compounds, including quinolizidine alkaloids such as matrine, oxymatrine, and sophoridine [PMID:27150374, 39824462], as well as flavonoids like trifolirhizin [PMID:39860257]. Other identified constituents include isoflavones, prenylated flavonoids, and aromatic compounds [PMID:35675145, 38634752, 31872636].
Mechanism of action
Mechanisms include the activation of the cGAS-STING pathway to restrain HBV replication [PMID:41158134], reprogramming of tumor-associated macrophages from an M2-like to an M1-like phenotype [PMID:41666700], and inhibition of osteoclastogenesis via Keap1/Nrf2 signaling activation, which reduces ROS and suppresses the MAPK signaling pathway [PMID:41005145]. Trifolirhizin, a constituent of the plant, may act on NF-κB-MAPK, EGFR-MAPK, AMPK/mTOR, and PI3K/Akt pathways [PMID:39860257].
Clinical evidence
Evidence DHepatocellular Carcinoma
Sophora tonkinensis extract (STE) significantly reduced HCC incidence, decreased liver nodule number and volume, and improved histopathological damage in rat models [PMID:42141777]
Evidence DOsteoporosis
Sofalcone, a phenolic derivative from S. tonkinensis, inhibits osteoclastogenesis and mitigates ovariectomy-induced bone loss in mice [PMID:41005145]
Evidence DParkinson's Disease
Network pharmacology and mouse models suggest potential neuroprotective effects against oxidative stress and neuroexcitatory toxicity [PMID:36453605]
Evidence DInflammation
Various quinolizidine alkaloids and prenylated flavonoids from the plant exhibit potent anti-inflammatory activities in vitro and in vivo [PMID:31682871, 38634752]
Safety & adverse effects
The root and rhizome are considered toxic [PMID:33622209]. Toxicity may involve the nervous, digestive, and respiratory systems, with severe cases potentially leading to respiratory failure and death [PMID:29271144]. Symptoms of poisoning include headache, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, convulsions, and hypotension [PMID:29271144]. High dose and long-term use may cause serious brain damage, particularly in children and adolescents [PMID:29271144].
Evidence summary
The majority of evidence is based on in vitro studies, animal models (rats/mice), and pharmacological reviews (Level C and D). There is a lack of human clinical trial data (Level B) or meta-analyses (Level A).
PubMed sources
1.PMID: 27150374 (2016) — Matrine: Bioactivities and Structural Modifications. · Current topics in medicinal chemistry
2.PMID: 41005145 (2025) — Sofalcone inhibits osteoclastogenesis through Keap1/Nrf2 signaling activation and mitigates ovariectomy-induced bone loss. · International immunopharmacology
3.PMID: 36080327 (2022) — Biological Activities and Secondary Metabolites from Sophora tonkinensis and Its Endophytic Fungi. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
4.PMID: 41297683 (2026) — Chloroplast structure, codon usage bias, and machine learning-based molecular identification using DNA barcoding of Sophorae Tonkinensis Radix et Rhizoma (Shan Dou Gen) and its analogues. · Fitoterapia
5.PMID: 39687702 (2024) — Physiological and metabolic responses of Sophora tonkinensis to cadmium stress.
Government sources
No direct government monograph is available for this herb. The content below is AI-generated and has not been verified against an authoritative government source. Use the search links to check official sources before relying on this information.
· Physiology and molecular biology of plants : an international journal of functional plant biology
6.PMID: 41666700 (2026) — Sophora tonkinensis reprograms tumor-associated macrophages to M1-like phenotype and exerts anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects. · Molecular immunology
7.PMID: 33656740 (2021) — Five matrine-type alkaloids from Sophora tonkinensis. · Journal of natural medicines
8.PMID: 39860257 (2025) — Trifolirhizin: A Phytochemical with Multiple Pharmacological Properties. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
9.PMID: 33622209 (2021) — A Review of Pharmacological and Toxicological Effects of Sophora tonkinensis with Bioinformatics Prediction. · The American journal of Chinese medicine
10.PMID: 36854107 (2023) — Matrine-Type Alkaloids with Anti-Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus Activity from the Root of Sophora tonkinensis Gagnep. · Journal of agricultural and food chemistry
11.PMID: 32719421 (2020) — The complete chloroplast genome sequence of the medicinal plant Sophora tonkinensis. · Scientific reports
12.PMID: 31833797 (2021) — Cytochalasins from endophytic Diaporthe sp. GDG-118. · Natural product research
13.PMID: 38860491 (2024) — Three new flavonoids from the roots of Sophora tonkinensis. · Journal of Asian natural products research
14.PMID: 37815250 (2023) — Sophora tonkinensis: response and adaptation of physiological characteristics, functional traits, and secondary metabolites to drought stress. · Plant biology (Stuttgart, Germany)
15.PMID: 38634752 (2024) — Flavonoids From the Aerial Parts of Sophora tonkinensis and Their Potential Anti-Inflammatory Activities. · Chemistry & biodiversity
16.PMID: 31682871 (2019) — Quinolizidine alkaloids from Sophora tonkinensis and their anti-inflammatory activities. · Fitoterapia
17.PMID: 42141777 (2026) — Sophora tonkinensis Alleviates Progression of Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Rats via Multitarget Regulation. · Biomedical chromatography : BMC
18.PMID: 39824462 (2025) — Acute Sophora alkaloid poisoning in Hong Kong. · Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology
19.PMID: 35675145 (2023) — Two new isoflavones from the roots of Sophora tonkinensis. · Journal of Asian natural products research
20.PMID: 32468852 (2022) — Characterization of alkaloids in radix Sophora tonkinensis by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and its application in the comparison of two different habitats. · Natural product research
21.PMID: 36641234 (2023) — Flavonoids from the roots and rhizomes of Sophoratonkinensis and their in vitro anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. · Chinese journal of natural medicines
22.PMID: 36790740 (2023) — Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus velezensis TH-1, a Candidate Biocontrol Bacterium from China. · Molecular plant-microbe interactions : MPMI
23.PMID: 29271144 (2017) — [Safety evaluation of Sophora tonkinensis and risk control]. · Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
24.PMID: 36496050 (2023) — Unusual N-pyridinium amino acid-type alkaloids from roots and rhizomes of Sophora tonkinensis Gagnep. · Fitoterapia
25.PMID: 1442048 (1992) — [Morphological and histological studies on the Chinese drug shan-dou-gen]. · Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica
26.PMID: 41158134 (2025) — Sophora tonkinensis enhances activation of cGAS-STING pathway and restrains HBV replication. · Frontiers in pharmacology
27.PMID: 40281421 (2025) — Comprehensive analysis of the NAC transcription factor gene family in Sophora tonkinensis Gagnep. · BMC plant biology
28.PMID: 36453605 (2023) — Omics combined with network pharmacology reveal the neuroprotective mechanism of Sophora tonkinensis based on the biolabel research pattern: The treatment of Parkinson's disease against oxidative stress and neuroexcitatory toxicity. · Biomedical chromatography : BMC
29.PMID: 31872636 (2019) — [Studies on active aromatic constituents from rhizomes of Sophora tonkinensis]. · Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica