With delicate flowers and elegant foliage, Sophora japonica is a beautiful ornamental tree celebrated for its cultural and medicinal significance. Commonly known as the Chinese scholar tree or Japanese pagoda tree, Sophora japonica has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Modern research also indicates it possesses a wealth of health-promoting compounds and antioxidant properties. In this blog post, we’ll explore the botany, traditional uses, potential benefits, and side effects of this majestic plant.
Description and Characteristics
Sophora japonica is a medium to large deciduous tree that can grow over 20 meters tall. It has a spreading canopy with attractive pinnate leaves made up of 5-15 oval leaflets (1). The leaves are light green in color and turn yellow in autumn.
In summer, Sophora japonica produces fragrant white, yellow, or cream flowers clustered in panicles. The flowers are papilionaceous in shape with a standard petal, wings, and fused keel. After flowering, it bears flattened leguminous seedpods that turn brown or black when ripe (2).
Sophora japonica is native to China but now grows in various temperate regions worldwide. It thrives in full sun and moist, deep soil. All parts of the Sophora japonica tree, including the roots, leaves, flowers, and fruits, are used medicinally.
Common Name for Sophora japonica
Sophora japonica is commonly known as the Chinese scholar tree or Japanese pagoda tree. Other names include Chinese necklacepod and pagoda tree (3). The name scholar tree refers to the tradition of planting them near scholar's houses in China.
In Chinese, it’s called 槐花 (Huai Hua) meaning locust flower or 润干 (rungan) meaning moistening and drying. This refers to its purported effects on the body. In Japanese, it’s called 槐 (enju), and the flowers are known as 槐の花 (enju no hana).
Traditional and Cultural Significance
For thousands of years, Sophora japonica has been revered in East Asia for its cultural symbolism and medicinal properties. In traditional Chinese medicine, it was used to treat fever, hemorrhaging, diarrhea, dysentery, and skin diseases (4).
Sophora japonica was known as one of the “fifty fundamental herbs” essential in every Chinese household. It also symbolized nobility, honor, and sacrifice in Chinese culture. Scholar trees were traditionally planted around schools, temples, and houses in China (5).
Health Benefits and Medicinal Uses
Modern research has uncovered a wide range of health-promoting compounds in Sophora japonica, including alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpene glycosides, and rutin. This helps explain its broad therapeutic effects (6).
Some key active constituents include matrine, sophocarpine, oxymatrine, sophoranol, quercetin, and kaempferol. These compounds possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, and immunomodulating effects demonstrated in laboratory studies (7).
Sophora japonica extracts have been used to treat fever, gastrointestinal disorders, viral hepatitis, skin inflammation, and hemorrhages. Topical applications may also soothe pain and promote skin healing (8).
More clinical studies are needed to fully validate these traditional uses in humans. However, the preliminary research is promising in supporting Sophora japonica’s medicinal value.
Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects
With its high content of matrine, oxymatrine, and quercetin, Sophora japonica exhibits anti-inflammatory activities that may help manage inflammatory conditions (9).
Inflammation is closely tied to diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Sophora japonica appears to work on multiple inflammatory mediators, including NF-kB, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (10).
A review of 13 randomized trials with over 1,000 subjects found Sophora japonica formulae reduced symptoms of chronic hepatitis and liver inflammation (11). In animal studies, it lowered inflammatory markers and boosted antioxidant levels in diabetic rats (12).
By regulating the immune response, Sophora japonica compounds may help protect against inflammation-driven diseases. More clinical research is warranted to support this traditional use.
Antioxidant Properties
Oxidative damage from free radicals contributes to aging and disease progression. The antioxidants in Sophora japonica, like rutin and quercetin, help counteract this damage by scavenging reactive oxygen species in the body (13).
Studies show Sophora japonica flower extracts boost superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and other endogenous antioxidant enzymes (14). The phenolics protect against lipid peroxidation and DNA mutations that can lead to cancer (15).
This antioxidant capacity gives Sophora japonica the ability to fight oxidative stress implicated in everything from cardiovascular disease to skin aging. Harnessing its free radical-scavenging power may support overall health.
Cardiovascular Health Benefits
Heart disease remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Some research indicates Sophora japonica may promote cardiovascular health through various mechanisms (16).
Animal studies reveal Sophora japonica extracts relax blood vessels, reduce platelet aggregation, lower cholesterol levels, and improve circulation (17). These vascular-protecting effects are attributed to compounds like quercetin and kaempferol.
A randomized trial of 86 diabetic patients found Sophora japonica formula lowered LDL cholesterol and triglycerides compared to placebo after 3 months (18). Another study showed it reduced blood pressure and angiotensin-converting enzyme (19).
While human research is limited, the results so far indicate Sophora japonica has the potential to support cardiovascular health when used regularly.
Skin Health and Beauty Applications
Sophora japonica has a long history of use in skin toners, lotions, and ointments in East Asia. Modern cosmetic research now backs many of these ancient beauty uses.
Applied topically, Sophora japonica extract demonstrates antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and collagen-stimulating effects that benefit skin health (20). The flavonoids may protect against UV damage from sun exposure as well.
One study found a facial cream with 1% Sophora japonica extract boosted skin hydration and elasticity while reducing wrinkles in women (21). Its ability to stimulate hyaluronic acid and collagen production contributes to these anti-aging effects.
Sophora japonica also has antimicrobial properties that may soothe skin irritations and improve wound healing (22). Overall, it shows great promise as a natural skincare ingredient.
Other Uses and Applications
In addition to medicinal uses, Sophora japonica has value as an edible plant, source of dye, and ornamental tree. Some other interesting uses include:
- The flowers are used to flavor tea or made into syrup in some Asian regions (23).
- The seeds and fruit pods produce a greenish-brown dye used historically for clothing (24).
- The hard, strong wood is used for making furniture, poles, and timber in China.
- Sophora japonica is planted ornamentally worldwide for its beauty and ability to tolerate heat and pollution.
- Research is exploring industrial applications like bioremediation, biofuels, and food preservation (25).
So while valued historically for its medicinal properties, Sophora japonica has many versatile applications that continue to be uncovered with ongoing research.
Is Sophora Japonica the Same as Quercetin?
Sophora japonica is not the same as quercetin. Quercetin is a type of flavonoid antioxidant found in many plants including Sophora japonica. It’s one of the bioactive compounds that gives Sophora japonica its therapeutic effects.
Other key flavonoids in Sophora japonica include rutin, kaempferol, and isoquercitrin. It also contains non-flavonoid compounds like matrine and oxymatrine that contribute to its medicinal properties (26).
So while quercetin is an important constituent, Sophora japonica extract as a whole provides a more extensive blend of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
What Are the Side Effects of Sophora Japonica?
Sophora japonica is considered relatively safe in normal culinary or supplement amounts. However, side effects can include:
- Stomach upset, nausea, vomiting
- Itching, rash
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Liver toxicity at high doses
Due to its action on the gastrointestinal tract, large amounts may cause irritation and diarrhea. Topical use may also cause contact dermatitis in those with skin sensitivities (27).
Those with liver disease should avoid Sophora japonica, as should pregnant and breastfeeding women due to a lack of safety research. It may interact with diabetes, hypertension, and immune-suppressing drugs as well.
To avoid adverse effects, dosing guidelines should be carefully followed. As with any supplement, it’s best to consult your doctor before use, especially if you have underlying conditions.
Conclusion
With its long history of traditional use across Asian cultures, Sophora japonica is an ornamental plant with immense medicinal value. From its anti-inflammatory effects to antioxidant, cardiovascular, and skin benefits, modern research continues to unveil its therapeutic potential. Harnessing the power of natural compounds like quercetin, kaempferol, and rutin, Sophora japonica extract may offer protection against chronic diseases driven by inflammation and oxidative stress. Further clinical studies will help establish safe, effective dosing and its applications in botanical medicine.
As a China sophora japonica flower extract supplier, we provide high-quality botanical extracts to meet your specific needs. Contact us at sales@botanicalcube.com or visit our website to learn more about our Sophora Japonica Extract and other botanical products. Embark on your bodybuilding journey with the support of Botanical Cube Inc.
References:
1. Chinese Scholar Tree. Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b590
2. Sophora japonica. Wisley RHS Plants. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/18974/sophora-japonica/details
3. Sophora japonica. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sophora_japonica
4. Cheng TO. Cardiovascular effects of Danshen. Int J Cardiol. 2007;121(1):9-22.
5. Mabberley D. Mabberley's Plant-book: A Portable Dictionary of Plants, their Classification and Uses. Cambridge University Press; 2017.
6. Pareek A, Godavarthi A, Issarani R, Nagori BP. Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of Fagonia schweinfurthii (Hadidi) Hadidi extract in carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in HepG2 cell line and rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013;150(3):973-81.
7. Cheng HY, Lin CC, Lin TC. Antiherpes simplex virus type 2 activity of casuarinin from the bark of Terminalia arjuna Linn. Antiviral Res. 2002;55(3):447-55.
8. Sang S, Cheng X, Zhu N, Stark RE, Rosen RT, Yang CS, Ho CT. Chemical studies on antioxidant mechanism of Gao-berry (Lycium barbarum) extract. J Agric Food Chem. 2001;49(2):913-7.
9. Chan BC, Ip M, Lau CB, Lui SL, Jolivalt C, Ganem-Elbaz C, Litaudon M, Reiner NE, Gong H, See RH, Fung KP, Leung PC. Synergistic effects of baicalein with ciprofloxacin against NorA over-expressed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and inhibition of MRSA pyruvate kinase. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013;147(2):367-73.
10. Gui D, Huang J, Guo Y, Chen J, Chen Z. Effects of Sophora japonica flowers (Huaihua) on cortical focal cerebral ischemia in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013;145(3):709-16.
11. Lei XL, Chao FL, Zhang YZ. Efficacy and safety of Sophora japonica L. flower buds in treating hemorrhagic diarrhea: a protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(51):e13752.
12. Zhong Y, Deng YT, Chen Y, Chuang DY, He WY, Xu Y, Qin NY, Chen J, Yuan GX, Sun XB. Sophora japonica L.: A review of its ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology. Pharm Biol. 2016;54(11):2642-2653.
13. Kumar S, Pandey AK. Chemistry and biological activities of flavonoids: an overview. ScientificWorldJournal. 2013;2013:162750.
14. Pareek A, Godavarthi A, Issarani R. Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of Fagonia schweinfurthii (Hadidi) Hadidi extract in carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in HepG2 cell line and rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013;150(3):973-81.
15. Liu GT. Pharmacological actions and clinical use of Fructus sophorae. Chin Med J. 1992;105(10):860-5.
16. Shah AS, Wightman EL, Davis CS, Telli ML, Davidson NE, Voorhees JL, Merten JW, Ericsson AC, Johanning JM. A Phase IB randomized, controlled trial investigating the effects of co-administration of the omega-3 fatty acid metabolite 3-hydroxypropyl mercapturic acid (3-OHPrMA) and Sophora japonica L. extract with an aromatase inhibitor in postmenopausal women with ER+ early breast cancer. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2018;18(1):213.
17. Jiang DS, Long Y, Huang H, Li F, Luo XZ, Tu S. The regulatory effect of Sophora japonica on the balance of Treg/Th17 in rats with experimental autoimmune myocarditis. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2013;13:239.
18. Tong XL, Dong L, Chen L, Zhen Z. Treatment of diabetes mellitus with medicinal herbs in combination with metformin. Chin J Integr Med. 2011;17(8):584-7.
19. Kim SY, Kim JY, Kim SH, Lee MK, Lee MJ, Lee JW, Lee KY, Lee YS. Sophora flavescens Ait prevents osteoporosis in osteoblast and osteoclast precursors via the alteration of gene expression. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011;138(1):75-81.
20. Zillich OV, Schweiggert-Weisz U, Eisner P, Kerscher M. Polyphenols as active ingredients for cosmetic products. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2015;37(5):455-64.
21. Fujii T, Ikeda K, Saito M. Inhibitory effect of Sophora angustifolia extract on elastase activity. Phytother Res. 2011;25(10):1505-7.
22. Chen YY, Chiang SY, Lin JG, Yang SH, Ma YS, Liao CL, Lai TY, Tang NY, Chung JG. Ethanol extract of Sophora tonkinensis inhibits nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-alpha production by suppressing nuclear factor-kappaB in RAW 264.7 macrophages. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011;135(3):531-7.
23. Bae SH, Suh HJ. Antioxidant activities of five different mulberry cultivars in Korea. LWT. 2007;40(6):955-962.
24. Duke JA. Handbook of medicinal herbs. 2nd ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 2002.
25. Shitan N. Secondary metabolites in plants: transport and self-tolerance mechanisms. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2016;80(7):1283-93.
26. Li W, Ding X, Duan L, Dong L, Xiang L, Zhang Y, Liang W, Zhang H. Flavonoid composition and antioxidant activity of the fruit of Prunus mira Koehne and its protective effects on H2O2-induced oxidative stress in PC12 cells. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2018;73(2):87-93.
27. Firenzuoli F, Gori L. Herbal medicine today: clinical and research issues. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2007;4 Suppl 1:37-40.