# Matrine

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/matrine
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 6 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** (7R,9R,13S)-7,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13-dodecahydro-1H-pyrido[2,1-f]quinazolin-7-ium, Sophocarpine derivative, Ku Shen alkaloid, Sophora alkaloid, Quinolizidine alkaloid, KS-2, Chinese bitter root extract

## Overview

Matrine is a quinolizidine alkaloid derived from Sophora flavescens that exhibits [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties. It works primarily by modulating NF-κB signaling pathways and reducing inflammatory cytokine production.

## Health Benefits

• May support [liver health](/ingredients/condition/detox): Animal meta-analysis (n=657 experiments) showed significant reductions in liver injury markers including AST (SMD = -3.76, p<0.0001) - preliminary evidence only
• Potential anti-cancer properties: Preclinical studies demonstrate apoptosis induction in colorectal cancer cells via Bcl-2/caspase-3 pathways (PMID: 30466620) - in vitro evidence only
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects: Animal studies show downregulation of inflammatory markers TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2, and iNOS - preliminary evidence
• May help with perianal infections: One RCT reported effectiveness of matrine sitz bath for post-chemotherapy infections in acute leukemia patients (PMID: 32498526) - limited human evidence
• Potential [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) support: Preclinical data suggests calcium regulation in cardiomyocytes and β3-AR inhibition - animal evidence only

## Mechanism of Action

Matrine inhibits nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) translocation, reducing production of [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) mediators like TNF-α and IL-6. The compound also modulates [mitochondrial](/ingredients/condition/energy) apoptotic pathways by regulating Bcl-2 family proteins and cytochrome c release. Additionally, matrine influences hepatic stellate cell activation and [collagen synthesis](/ingredients/condition/skin-health) through TGF-β1 pathway modulation.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence comes primarily from animal studies, with a meta-analysis of 657 experiments showing significant reductions in liver injury markers (AST reduction SMD = -3.76, p<0.0001). Preclinical research demonstrates anti-cancer effects through apoptosis induction in colorectal cancer cell lines. Human clinical trials are limited, making safety and efficacy data preliminary. Most research focuses on [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) effects against chemical-induced liver damage in rodent models.

## Nutritional Profile

Matrine is a pure alkaloid compound (C15H24N2O, molecular weight 248.36 g/mol) extracted primarily from Sophora flavescens (Ku Shen) and related Sophora species. It is not a food ingredient and therefore contains no macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, fats), dietary fiber, vitamins, or minerals in any meaningful sense. As a bioactive compound, it is the primary active constituent of interest. Typical standardized extracts of Sophora flavescens root contain 0.5–2% matrine by dry weight, with oxymatrine (its N-oxide metabolite) co-occurring at comparable concentrations. Pharmaceutical-grade isolated matrine is available at >98% purity. Bioavailability: Oral bioavailability in animal models is approximately 30–50%, with peak plasma concentration (Tmax) reached within 1–2 hours post-administration. It undergoes hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), with oxymatrine serving as both a co-occurring natural analog and a primary metabolite. Matrine crosses the blood-brain barrier to a limited degree. Half-life is approximately 2–4 hours in rodent models; human pharmacokinetic data are limited. No caloric value; no fiber, vitamin, or mineral content applicable.

## Dosage & Preparation

Animal studies suggest optimal dosing at 10-69.1 mg/kg with 20-30 mg/kg/day showing high protection and low toxicity in rats over 0.02-0.86 weeks. Human dosage recommendations are not established due to limited clinical trials. Toxicity may increase above 69.1 mg/kg or with use beyond 4 weeks based on animal data. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Matrine may cause gastrointestinal upset, dizziness, and skin reactions in some individuals. The compound can potentially interact with hepatically metabolized drugs due to its effects on liver enzymes. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid matrine due to insufficient safety data. High doses may cause cardiac arrhythmias and should be avoided in individuals with heart conditions.

## Scientific Research

Human clinical evidence for matrine is limited, with one RCT examining matrine sitz bath for perianal infection in acute leukemia patients (PMID: 32498526), though specific outcomes were not detailed. A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies (n=657 experiments) demonstrated significant liver protective effects at 20-30 mg/kg/day in rats, with AST reductions (SMD = -3.76, 95% CI [-4.74, -2.78], p<0.0001). Most evidence remains preclinical, including anticancer effects demonstrated in colorectal cancer cells (PMID: 30466620).

## Historical & Cultural Context

Matrine originates from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where Sophora flavescens roots have been used for centuries to treat [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), pain, infections, and respiratory issues. Historical TCM applications included treating inflammatory edema (similar to aspirin effects), diabetic complications, and arrhythmias, with modern research building upon these traditional uses.

## Synergistic Combinations

Milk thistle, curcumin, quercetin, NAC, alpha-lipoic acid

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the typical dosage of matrine for liver health?

Animal studies typically use 25-100 mg/kg body weight, but human dosing guidelines are not established. Most commercial supplements contain 50-200 mg per serving, though optimal human dosing requires further clinical research.

### Can matrine help with hepatitis B?

Preliminary animal studies suggest matrine may reduce hepatitis B virus replication and liver inflammation markers. However, human clinical evidence is limited and it should not replace conventional hepatitis B treatments without medical supervision.

### How long does it take for matrine to show liver benefits?

Animal studies show liver enzyme improvements within 1-2 weeks of treatment. Human timeframes are unknown, but traditional use suggests benefits may take 4-8 weeks of consistent supplementation to become apparent.

### Is matrine safe to take with blood thinners?

Matrine may interact with anticoagulant medications by affecting liver enzyme activity and drug metabolism. Individuals taking warfarin or other blood thinners should consult healthcare providers before using matrine supplements.

### What foods contain natural matrine?

Matrine is found primarily in Sophora flavescens root (ku shen) and other Sophora species used in traditional Chinese medicine. It's not present in significant amounts in common dietary foods, making supplementation the primary source for therapeutic doses.

### What does the current clinical evidence show about matrine's effectiveness?

Most evidence for matrine comes from animal studies and in vitro research rather than human clinical trials. A meta-analysis of 657 animal experiments showed significant reductions in liver injury markers like AST, but these results are preliminary and require human validation. Current research suggests potential benefits for liver health and anti-cancer properties, but larger, well-designed human studies are needed to confirm efficacy and establish clinical relevance.

### Who should avoid taking matrine supplements?

Matrine should be avoided by pregnant and nursing women due to insufficient safety data in these populations. People with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulant medications should consult a healthcare provider before supplementing, as matrine may have blood-thinning properties. Individuals with known allergies to plants in the Leguminosae family (where matrine is naturally found) should also exercise caution.

### How does matrine compare to other liver-support supplements?

Unlike milk thistle (silymarin), which has moderate human clinical evidence, matrine's research base is primarily animal and in vitro studies. Matrine appears to work through different mechanisms—specifically reducing liver injury markers and modulating inflammation—compared to milk thistle's antioxidant and antifibrotic pathways. Direct comparative human trials between matrine and established liver supplements are currently lacking, making it difficult to determine relative efficacy.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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