# Sophoraflavanone G (Flavanone)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/sophoraflavanone-g
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 6 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** Kushenin, SFG, Sophoraflavanone-G, Ku Shen flavonoid, Prenylated kushenin, Sophora flavanone G, 苦参素G

## Overview

Sophoraflavanone G is a flavanone compound extracted from Sophora species that exhibits potent anti-cancer and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activities. This bioactive flavonoid works by suppressing inflammatory mediators and demonstrating cytotoxic effects against multiple cancer cell lines.

## Health Benefits

• Anti-cancer activity against leukemia, breast, and lung cancer cells (preliminary evidence from in vitro studies)
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects through suppression of inflammatory mediators and eicosanoid-generating enzymes (preclinical evidence)
• Antibacterial synergy against resistant bacterial strains (in vitro evidence)
• Anti-malarial activity with EC₅₀ values reported in mice models (animal study evidence)
• Cytotoxic effects on human myeloid leukemia HL-60 cells (preliminary in vitro evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Sophoraflavanone G exerts its [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects by suppressing key inflammatory mediators and inhibiting eicosanoid-generating enzymes including cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways. The compound demonstrates anti-cancer activity through induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in malignant cells. It also enhances antibacterial activity by disrupting bacterial cell wall integrity and increasing membrane permeability.

## Clinical Summary

Current research on Sophoraflavanone G is limited to preclinical in vitro and animal studies. Laboratory studies show IC50 values ranging from 10-50 μM against various cancer cell lines including HL-60 leukemia, MCF-7 breast cancer, and A549 lung cancer cells. Anti-inflammatory studies demonstrate significant reduction in nitric oxide production and [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) release in macrophage cell cultures. Human clinical trials have not yet been conducted to establish therapeutic efficacy or optimal dosing protocols.

## Nutritional Profile

Sophoraflavanone G is a prenylated flavanone (molecular formula: C₂₅H₂₈O₆; molecular weight: ~424.49 g/mol) and is not a nutritional food source but rather a bioactive phytochemical isolated primarily from the roots of Sophora flavescens (Kushen) and other Sophora species. Key profile details: • **Chemical class:** Prenylated flavanone (2S-configuration typical); bears a lavandulyl-type prenyl group at the C-8 position of the A-ring and hydroxyl groups at C-5, C-7, C-2', and C-4' positions. • **Typical concentrations in source plant material:** Reported at approximately 0.01–0.5% (w/w) of dried root extract of Sophora flavescens, varying with extraction method and plant origin. • **Bioactive co-occurring compounds in source matrices:** Often co-extracted with kurarinone, kushenol series flavonoids, matrine and oxymatrine (alkaloids), sophoraflavanone B and D, and other prenylated flavonoids. • **No macronutrient contribution:** As an isolated phytochemical, it provides negligible calories, protein, fat, carbohydrate, or dietary fiber. • **No significant vitamin or mineral content** as a purified compound. • **Bioavailability notes:** Oral bioavailability is expected to be low-to-moderate due to its lipophilic prenylated structure (LogP estimated ~4.5–5.0), which enhances membrane interaction but limits aqueous solubility. The prenyl group may improve cellular uptake relative to non-prenylated flavanones. Likely subject to extensive Phase I (CYP450-mediated oxidation) and Phase II (glucuronidation, sulfation) hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). Intestinal efflux via P-glycoprotein may further reduce systemic availability. No human pharmacokinetic studies are currently published; animal studies suggest rapid absorption with a short plasma half-life. Lipid-based delivery systems or nanoformulations may improve bioavailability. • **Solubility:** Poorly soluble in water; soluble in DMSO, ethanol, and methanol. • **Stability:** Sensitive to light and oxidative degradation; storage recommended at −20°C in amber vials under inert atmosphere.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available for Sophoraflavanone G due to the absence of human trials. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Safety data for Sophoraflavanone G in humans is currently unavailable due to lack of clinical studies. Potential interactions with cytochrome P450 enzymes may affect [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) of concurrent medications, though specific drug interactions have not been documented. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety has not been established. Individuals with existing medical conditions or taking medications should consult healthcare providers before use.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), or meta-analyses have been conducted on Sophoraflavanone G. All available research is limited to preclinical studies, including in vitro cell culture experiments and animal models, particularly examining anti-cancer, [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), and [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Sophoraflavanone G, known as 'kushenin' in traditional Chinese medicine, has been used historically in medicinal recipes derived from Sophora plants. The compound's traditional use aligns with its natural function as a plant-produced phytoncide for [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) protection.

## Synergistic Combinations

Quercetin, Curcumin, Green Tea Extract, Resveratrol, Genistein

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What cancers does Sophoraflavanone G work against?

In vitro studies show Sophoraflavanone G demonstrates cytotoxic activity against leukemia (HL-60), breast cancer (MCF-7), and lung cancer (A549) cell lines. IC50 values range from 10-50 μM depending on the cancer type, with leukemia cells showing highest sensitivity.

### How does Sophoraflavanone G reduce inflammation?

Sophoraflavanone G suppresses inflammatory mediators including nitric oxide, TNF-α, and IL-6 production in activated macrophages. It also inhibits cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes, reducing prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis that drive inflammatory responses.

### What is the source of Sophoraflavanone G?

Sophoraflavanone G is naturally extracted from various Sophora species plants, particularly Sophora flavescens and Sophora tonkinensis. These leguminous plants have been used in traditional Chinese medicine, with the flavonoid concentrated primarily in the roots and bark.

### Is Sophoraflavanone G available as a supplement?

Sophoraflavanone G is not widely available as a standalone supplement due to limited clinical research and regulatory approval. It may be found in some traditional herbal extracts containing Sophora species, but standardized dosing and purity are not established.

### What dosage of Sophoraflavanone G is effective?

No established human dosage exists for Sophoraflavanone G as clinical trials have not been conducted. Laboratory studies use concentrations of 10-100 μM for cell culture work, but this cannot be directly translated to oral human dosing without pharmacokinetic studies.

### What does the current research quality show about Sophoraflavanone G's effectiveness in humans?

Most evidence for Sophoraflavanone G comes from in vitro (test tube) and animal studies, with limited human clinical trials published to date. While preliminary findings show promise against cancer cells, bacterial resistance, and malaria in controlled laboratory settings, these results have not yet been confirmed in large-scale human studies. More rigorous clinical research is needed before definitive efficacy claims can be made for supplementation in humans.

### Does Sophoraflavanone G interact with antibiotics or antimalarial medications?

While in vitro studies suggest Sophoraflavanone G may have synergistic antibacterial effects and anti-malarial activity, there is currently no published research on interactions with prescription antibiotics or antimalarial drugs like artemisinin derivatives. Anyone taking medications for bacterial infections or malaria should consult their healthcare provider before adding Sophoraflavanone G supplements, as potential interactions remain unstudied.

### What is the most bioavailable form of Sophoraflavanone G for supplementation?

Sophoraflavanone G exists primarily in plant-derived extracts, with no established data on the bioavailability of different supplement forms (extract standardization, complexation, or delivery systems). Since this flavanone is still largely in preclinical development, manufacturers have not yet optimized formulations for human absorption, making it difficult to compare bioavailability across available products.

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