Evidence supporting the use of: Japanese sophora
For the health condition: Eye Problems
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Japanese sophora (Sophora japonica), also known as Huai Hua in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has a long history of use in East Asian herbal practices. Its flowers and buds are traditionally used for their purported benefits in managing bleeding disorders, hemorrhoids, and various inflammatory conditions. Regarding eye problems, historical TCM texts suggest that Japanese sophora may be used to "cool the blood" and treat conditions such as bloodshot eyes, eye bleeding, or conjunctival congestion, especially when these are associated with heat or toxicity syndromes in TCM theory. The active components, such as flavonoids (notably rutin), are thought to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which could theoretically support eye health or reduce capillary fragility. However, while these traditional applications are well documented, direct clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of Japanese sophora for specific eye conditions is limited. Most research focuses on its general vascular and anti-inflammatory effects rather than ocular outcomes. As a result, its use for eye problems is justified by tradition rather than robust scientific studies, earning a moderate evidence rating primarily due to the plausibility suggested by its pharmacological actions and longstanding use in TCM.
Other ingredients used for Eye Problems
Alpha-caroteneanthocyanidins
anthocyanins
anthocyanosides
avens
bai ji
Bassia scoparia
berry
beta-carotene
beta-zeacarotene
bilberry
bioflavonoids
blueberry
boxthorne
carotene (unspecified)
carrot
Carthamus
chamomile
chickweed
chrysanthemum
citrus bioflavonoids
cryptoxanthin
cucumber
Epidermal Growth Factor
Eyebright
fennel
fibroblast growth factor
flavoglycosides
flavonoids
flavonols
ginkgo flavone glycoside
goldenseal
green tea
Japanese sophora
Ligustrazin
little ironweed
lodhtree
lutein
mango
marigold
mixed carotenoids
N-Acetyl Carnosine
Nardostachys
nut grass
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins
omega-3 fatty acids
oriental arborvitae
Pulsatilla
Pycnogenol
rutin
selenium
Self-Heal
Speedwell
Sumac
Trichosanthes
turmeric
Viola
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
Yerba buena
Zeaxanthin
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by Japanese sophora
Abdominal PainBlood Poisoning
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Eye Problems
Fever
Gastritis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Inflammation
Itching
Menstrual Irregularity
Pain (general remedies for)
Poisoning (general)
Rashes and Hives
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin (infections)
Sore Throat
Staph Infections
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores
