# Sophoricoside (Flavonoid Glycoside)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/sophoricoside
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** Genistein 7-O-β-D-glucoside, Sophoricoside, Sophoroside, Genistein-7-glucoside, Fructus Sophorae extract, Huai Jiao glycoside, Japanese pagoda tree flavonoid

## Overview

Sophoricoside is a flavonoid glycoside derived from Sophora japonica that demonstrates [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) and cardioprotective properties. It works primarily by modulating protein degradation pathways and reducing [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) cytokine production in liver and [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) tissues.

## Health Benefits

• May inhibit liver cancer progression by promoting protein degradation in hepatocellular carcinoma cells (preclinical evidence only)
• Shows potential for reducing liver inflammation and fibrosis in autoimmune hepatitis models (animal studies only)
• Demonstrates cardioprotective effects by activating AMPK and reducing cardiac hypertrophy in mice (preliminary evidence)
• Exhibits [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties in lung injury and asthma models through NF-κB suppression (animal research)
• May protect against [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) by reducing ROS and boosting antioxidants (in vitro and animal data)

## Mechanism of Action

Sophoricoside promotes protein degradation in hepatocellular carcinoma cells through activation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system and [autophagy](/ingredients/condition/longevity) pathways. The compound reduces [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) cytokines including TNF-α and IL-1β while modulating NF-κB signaling cascades. Its cardioprotective effects involve activation of AMPK pathways and improved [endothelial function](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) through nitric oxide regulation.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for sophoricoside is limited to preclinical studies, with no published human clinical trials available. Animal studies using doses of 20-50 mg/kg showed 40-60% reduction in liver [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) markers and significant inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation. Small in vitro studies demonstrated dose-dependent cytotoxic effects against liver cancer cell lines at concentrations of 10-100 μM. Human clinical data is needed to establish therapeutic efficacy and optimal dosing protocols.

## Nutritional Profile

Sophoricoside is a flavonoid glycoside (isoflavone glucoside) with the molecular formula C₂₁H₂₀O₁₀ and a molecular weight of approximately 432.38 g/mol. It is the 4'-O-glucoside of genistein, consisting of the aglycone genistein bound to a glucose moiety at the 4'-hydroxyl position. As a single bioactive compound rather than a whole food, it does not possess a conventional macronutrient profile (no significant protein, fat, carbohydrate, fiber, or caloric contribution at pharmacologically relevant doses). Key bioactive characteristics: • Primary classification: Isoflavone glycoside (subclass of flavonoids) • Aglycone component: Genistein (5,7-dihydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)chromen-4-one) • Sugar moiety: β-D-glucopyranose • Natural concentration in source plants: Found primarily in Sophora japonica (Japanese pagoda tree) fruits and seeds, typically at concentrations of approximately 1–5% dry weight of mature fruit, and in Styphnolobium japonicum; also present in lesser amounts in other leguminous plants • Solubility: Moderately soluble in methanol, ethanol, DMSO, and aqueous-organic mixtures; limited aqueous solubility (~0.1–0.5 mg/mL in water), which affects oral bioavailability • Bioavailability notes: Oral bioavailability is relatively low due to extensive first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management); the glycoside bond is hydrolyzed by intestinal β-glucosidases and gut microbiota to release the aglycone genistein, which is then absorbed and undergoes phase II conjugation (glucuronidation and sulfation) in the liver and intestinal wall. Gut microflora composition significantly influences conversion rates and downstream metabolite profiles (e.g., equol production from genistein varies among individuals). The intact glycoside form may have slower absorption kinetics compared to free genistein but potentially more sustained plasma levels. Approximate T_max for metabolites is 4–8 hours post-oral administration in animal models. • No vitamins, minerals, or macronutrients are contributed by this isolated compound at typical experimental or supplemental doses (usually studied in the range of 10–100 mg/kg body weight in animal models, or micromolar concentrations in vitro).

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied human dosages are available. Animal studies have used 20-40 mg/kg/day orally in cancer models and 30 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally for liver conditions. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Safety data for sophoricoside in humans is limited due to lack of clinical trials. Preclinical studies suggest good tolerability at therapeutic doses, but potential gastrointestinal upset may occur at higher concentrations. The compound may interact with medications metabolized by CYP450 enzymes, particularly those affecting [liver function](/ingredients/condition/detox). Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data and potential hormonal effects of flavonoid compounds.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses have been conducted on sophoricoside. All current evidence comes from preclinical studies including in vitro cell assays using hepatocellular carcinoma cells (Huh7 and SK-Hep-1), and in vivo animal models testing doses of 20-40 mg/kg orally and 30 mg/kg intraperitoneally in mice for various conditions.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Sophoricoside comes from Sophora japonica L., which has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for managing conditions like hepatocellular carcinoma, often combined with other treatments to improve symptoms and quality of life. The plant (known as Fructus Sophorae) has a long history in TCM practices, though specific historical uses of isolated sophoricoside are not documented.

## Synergistic Combinations

Lenvatinib (shown in animal studies), AMPK activators, [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s, [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) compounds, Traditional Chinese Medicine liver herbs

## Frequently Asked Questions

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

No established human dosage exists for sophoricoside as clinical trials have not been conducted. Animal studies used 20-50 mg/kg body weight, but human equivalent doses cannot be reliably extrapolated without clinical data.

### Can sophoricoside help treat liver cancer in humans?

Sophoricoside showed promising anti-cancer effects in laboratory studies, inhibiting hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth by 40-60% at specific concentrations. However, these are preliminary findings and human clinical trials are needed to determine actual therapeutic potential for liver cancer treatment.

### Is sophoricoside the same as other flavonoids like quercetin?

Sophoricoside is a distinct flavonoid glycoside with a sugar moiety attached, making it structurally different from quercetin. While both are flavonoids with antioxidant properties, sophoricoside shows more specific activity against liver inflammation and different bioavailability characteristics.

### What foods naturally contain sophoricoside?

Sophoricoside is primarily found in Sophora japonica (Japanese pagoda tree) flower buds and pods, which are used in traditional Chinese medicine. It's also present in smaller amounts in other Sophora species, but dietary sources are limited compared to supplement extracts.

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

Based on animal studies, sophoricoside showed measurable effects on liver inflammation markers within 2-4 weeks of treatment at 20-50 mg/kg doses. However, human timeframes for potential benefits remain unknown due to lack of clinical trials in people.

### Does sophoricoside have any known side effects or safety concerns?

Sophoricoside has been studied primarily in preclinical and animal models with limited human safety data available. Most research indicates good tolerability in laboratory settings, but comprehensive human clinical trials are needed to establish a complete safety profile. Anyone considering sophoricoside supplementation should consult a healthcare provider, particularly those with existing liver conditions or taking medications.

### What is the current quality of clinical evidence for sophoricoside's health benefits?

The evidence for sophoricoside remains predominantly preclinical, based on laboratory and animal studies rather than human clinical trials. While promising results have been observed in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines and rodent models of liver inflammation, these findings have not yet been validated in controlled human studies. More rigorous clinical research is necessary before making definitive claims about its therapeutic efficacy in humans.

### Does sophoricoside interact with common heart or liver medications?

Limited research exists on sophoricoside's interactions with medications, particularly since most studies are preclinical. Given that sophoricoside may affect liver function and cardiovascular pathways (via AMPK activation in animal models), individuals taking anticoagulants, statins, or hepatically-metabolized drugs should consult their healthcare provider before supplementing. Drug interaction studies in humans have not been adequately conducted.

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