Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Ku Shen (Sophora flavescens) contains alkaloids including matrine and oxymatrine that provide hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds work by modulating cytokine production and supporting Phase II detoxification enzymes in the liver.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Ku Shen is derived from the root of the Sophora flavescens plant, native to East Asia. It is harvested and dried for medicinal use.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Some studies, including randomized controlled trials, suggest Ku Shen may have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, but more research is needed.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
{"macronutrients": {"fiber": "Approximately 5-10% of dry weight", "protein": "Approximately 3-5% of dry weight"}, "micronutrients": {"vitamin_c": "Trace amounts", "calcium": "10-20 mg per 100g", "iron": "1-2 mg per 100g"}, "bioactive_compounds": {"matrine": "0.5-1.5% of dry weight", "oxymatrine": "0.2-1.0% of dry weight", "sophoraflavanone G": "0.1-0.5% of dry weight", "kurarinone": "0.1-0.3% of dry weight"}, "bioavailability_notes": "The bioavailability of the alkaloids matrine and oxymatrine is relatively high due to their ability to be absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. However, the presence of dietary fiber may affect the absorption of certain minerals."}
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Matrine and oxymatrine, the primary alkaloids in Ku Shen, inhibit NF-κB signaling pathway to reduce inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6. These compounds also upregulate glutathione S-transferase and other Phase II detoxification enzymes in hepatocytes. Additionally, matrine modulates T-cell proliferation and enhances natural killer cell activity to support immune function.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Several small-scale clinical trials with 30-80 participants have examined Ku Shen for hepatitis B, showing modest improvements in liver enzyme levels over 3-6 months. Animal studies demonstrate significant hepatoprotective effects against chemical-induced liver damage, with 40-60% reduction in ALT and AST levels. Limited human data exists for anti-inflammatory applications, with most evidence coming from in vitro and animal models. The clinical evidence remains preliminary and requires larger, well-controlled trials for definitive therapeutic claims.
Also Known As
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