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
Matrine is a quinolizidine alkaloid derived from Sophora flavescens that exhibits hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. It works primarily by modulating NF-κB signaling pathways and reducing inflammatory cytokine production.
Origin & History
Matrine is a tetracyclic quinolizidine alkaloid extracted primarily from the roots of Sophora flavescens (Ku Shen) and Sophora alopecuroides, plants used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is isolated through alkaloid fractionation methods such as solvent extraction and chromatography, yielding matrine as a key bioactive compound alongside related alkaloids.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
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).
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
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, 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.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Matrine inhibits nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) translocation, reducing production of inflammatory mediators like TNF-α and IL-6. The compound also modulates mitochondrial apoptotic pathways by regulating Bcl-2 family proteins and cytochrome c release. Additionally, matrine influences hepatic stellate cell activation and collagen synthesis through TGF-β1 pathway modulation.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
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 effects against chemical-induced liver damage in rodent models.
Also Known As
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