Single Herb Glossary
Shān Dòu Gēn 山豆根
| Pharmaceutical name | Sophora tonkinesis root |
| Category | Clear Heat, Resolve Toxicity |
| Key Properties | Very bitter and cold Clears toxic swelling of throat and gums |
| Properties | Bitter Cold |
| Tropism | LU, LI |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Clear Heat, Relieve Fire Toxicity, Benefit Throat (& Gum) 2) Disperse Swellings (LU cancer) |
| Dosages | 3-9 g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: Def & Cold of Sp/St characterized by decreased appetite and loose stools |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Alkaloids (matrine, oxymatrine, methylcytisine, anagyrine, sophocarpine), flavonoids (sophoradochromene, genistein, pterocarpine, trifolirhizin, sophoraflavone A, B, bayin), sophoradin, sophoranone |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Antiarrhythmic: administration via intramuscular or intraperitoneal injections effective in treating animals with drug-induced arrhythmias; negative chronotropic and positive inotropic effect on right ventricle of heart in guinea pigs • Immunostimulant: oral administration in mice associated with increase of IgM and IgG • CNS suppressant: alkaloids have marked inhibitory effect on CNS, leading to sedation, analgesia, and lowered body temperature in mice; effective in preventing and treating drug-induced seizures • Antiasthmatic: alkaloids, such as matrine, oxymatrine, methylcytisine, anagyrine, and sophocarpine have shown marked antiasthmatic effects; by comparison to aminophylline, oxymatrine has similar but prolonged antiasthmatic effects • Antipyretic: matrine, oxymatrine, and sophocarpine have all demonstrated marked ability to reduce body temperature in mice; exact mechanism of action is unclear • Hepatoprotective: reports indicated association with hepatoprotective function by lowering liver enzymes and minimizing liver damage caused by carbon tetrahydrochloride • Antiulcer: alcohol extract inhibits secretion of gastric acid in rats; components with this action included sophoradin and sophoranone • Antineoplastic: oral or intraperitoneal administration associated with antineoplastic effects in mice, especially against uterine, abdominal and liver cancers; antineoplastic components have been identified as the alkaloids • Antibiotic: inhibitory effect against Bacillus dysenteriae, Bacillus proteus, E. coli, S. aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | |
| Classical Formula(s) |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.