Evidence supporting the use of: Sophora flavescens
For the health condition: Diphtheria

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Sophora flavescens, known as "Ku Shen" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has a long history of use for a variety of infectious diseases, particularly those characterized by "toxic heat." In classical TCM texts, it has been prescribed for throat swelling, ulcers, and other conditions that may be consistent with bacterial infections such as diphtheria. However, this use is based primarily on traditional diagnostic frameworks rather than modern biomedical understanding. There is very little modern scientific evidence to validate its efficacy against Corynebacterium diphtheriae, the bacterium responsible for diphtheria. Some in vitro studies have demonstrated antibacterial activity of extracts from Sophora flavescens against certain pathogens, but direct evidence for effectiveness against diphtheria is lacking. As a result, while its use for diphtheria is supported by traditional herbal practice, particularly in Chinese medicine, it is not substantiated by robust clinical trials or contemporary scientific research. Therefore, its use for this purpose should be viewed as traditional rather than evidence-based, and not as a substitute for proven treatments such as diphtheria antitoxin and antibiotics.

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