Evidence supporting the use of: Sophora
For the health condition: Hepatitis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
The use of Sophora species (such as Sophora flavescens, known as Kushen in traditional Chinese medicine) for hepatitis is primarily justified by tradition rather than strong scientific evidence. In Chinese, Japanese, and Korean herbal medicine systems, extracts from the root of Sophora flavescens have been used for centuries to "clear heat" and "remove toxins," terms that are often interpreted as actions against infectious and inflammatory diseases, including hepatitis. Historical texts and classical herbal compendia describe Sophora preparations as aids in reducing jaundice, alleviating liver discomfort, and supporting liver function. The traditional rationale is based on empirical use and the herb’s perceived effects rather than modern biomedical understanding.
While there are some preclinical studies indicating that certain alkaloids and flavonoids in Sophora species may have antiviral and hepatoprotective effects in vitro or in animal models, robust clinical evidence in humans remains limited. Most clinical reports are anecdotal or based on small, uncontrolled studies. Therefore, although Sophora is traditionally used to support or treat hepatitis, the overall quality of evidence is low, and its use should be considered as adjunctive rather than primary therapy. Further rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety for hepatitis treatment.
Other ingredients used for Hepatitis
AchyranthesAerva lanata
Agrimonia pilosa
AHCC
Ajuga
Albumin
Algae
American Liverleaf
Andrographis
andrographolide
Angelica
Antrodia camphorata
aster root
astragalin
astragaloside
astragalus
atractylone
aucubin
Auricularia
Baccharoides anthelmintica
bacteria
bael
baicalin
Basidiomycota
Bassia scoparia
bayleaf
BCAA
Bergenia
bergenin
betulinic acid
bitter grass
black cumin
black root
black seed
blackboard tree
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
borassus palm
borotutu
branched-chain amino acids
Broussonetia
Bupleurum
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
C-phycocyanin
Caesalpinia crista
Carthamus
cat's claw
caterpillar mushroom
Celosia
chaga mushroom
Chinese fleeceflower
Chinese silkvine
chirata
Clerodendrum indicum
commiphora
Coptis chinensis
cordyceps
corilagin
coriolus mushroom
Cynodon dactylon
cytokines
dandelion
Desmodium
Dianthus
Ficus simplicissima
flat-stem milk-vetch
flavonolignan
Flueggea suffruticosa
fucoidan
ganoderma
Globulins
Glucan peptides
Glutathione
Glycyrrhetinic acid
Glycyrrhizin
green chiretta
Hygrophila
Hyperoside
Immunoglobulin G
Indian bael
Indian coraltree
isosilybin
jujube
knotweed
L-cysteine
L-glutathione
labrador tea
Lactoferrin
Lentinula edodes mycelia
lichen
licorice root
Ligustrum
lingzhi
liquid liver fractions
little ironweed
Marine lipid
Milk thistle
Momordica
Morning glory
Morus
Myrrh
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
Neoandrographolides
Nymphaea nouchali
oleanolic acid
omega-3 fatty acids
Onosma bracteatum
oregon grape
ornithine L-aspartic acid
Oroxylum indicum
Oxymatrine
pagoda tree
Palo Azul
parsley
Patrinia
paw paw
peony
Phellodendron
Picroside
Pluchea
plum fruit
Polygonum
polysaccharides
Portulaca
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
protein
punarnava
reishi mushroom
rhubarb
rice
Rubia cordifolia
Rubia yunnanensis
Sarivan
sarsaparilla
Schisandrins
Schizandrol A
seaweed
selenium
shiitake mushroom
Silybin
Silybum
Silychristin
Silydianin
silymarin
Sophora
spirulina
Stereospermum
Sulfated polysaccharide
Sumac
Swertia
Sword Bean
Szechuan lovage
Tamarind
Taraxacum
Terminalia
Tinospora cordifolia
Trametes
Tremella
Turkey tail mushroom
turmeric
Varuna
vitamin C
vitamin E
Wax Gourd
Yin Chen
Zinc
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by Sophora
Abdominal PainAcne
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cuts
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Epilepsy
Fatigue
Fever
Fungal Infections
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Hepatitis
Herpes
Hot Flashes
