# Sophoridine **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/sophoridine **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-28 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** (1S,2R,9R,17R)-6-azatetracyclo[7.5.3.0¹,⁶.0²,⁷]heptadec-7-en-4-one, Sophoridin, Sophoridine alkaloid, Ku Dou Zi alkaloid, Sophora alkaloid, Quinolizidine alkaloid from Sophora, Euchresta alkaloid ## Overview Sophoridine is a quinolizidine alkaloid derived primarily from Sophora alopecuroides and related leguminous plants, structurally related to matrine. It exerts its primary effects through modulation of apoptotic pathways, suppression of [NF-κB](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) signaling, and inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, as demonstrated in preclinical models. ## Health Benefits • Anti-tumor effects in colon cancer models, as shown in preclinical studies (evidence from Liang et al. 2012a and Wang et al. 2019). • Anti-proliferative effects observed in vitro, though human studies are lacking. • [Neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s suggested by preclinical data. • [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties indicated in laboratory settings. • Induction of apoptosis in colorectal carcinoma cells, based on in vitro studies. ## Mechanism of Action Sophoridine induces apoptosis in cancer cell lines by upregulating pro-apoptotic proteins such as Bax and downregulating anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, while also activating caspase-3 and caspase-9 cascades. It suppresses the NF-κB signaling pathway, reducing downstream transcription of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s including TNF-α and IL-6. Additionally, sophoridine has been shown to inhibit STAT3 phosphorylation and arrest cell cycle progression at the G0/G1 phase, contributing to its anti-proliferative activity in colon cancer models. ## Clinical Summary The majority of evidence supporting sophoridine's health effects comes from in vitro cell-line studies and rodent models, including work by Liang et al. (2012) and Wang et al. (2019) demonstrating anti-tumor activity in colon cancer models. No large-scale randomized controlled human trials have been published as of current literature, making it impossible to confirm effective dosages or clinical outcomes in humans. Animal studies have reported [neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s at doses in the range of 10–40 mg/kg in rodents, but direct extrapolation to human dosing remains speculative. The overall evidence base is preliminary, and sophoridine should not be considered a clinically validated therapeutic agent at this time. ## Nutritional Profile Sophoridine is a pure alkaloid compound (matrine-type quinolizidine alkaloid), not a food ingredient, and therefore has no conventional nutritional profile in terms of macronutrients, micronutrients, vitamins, minerals, or fiber. Molecular formula: C15H24N2O, molecular weight: 248.36 g/mol. It is a bicyclic alkaloid structurally isomeric with matrine, isolated primarily from Sophora flavescens (Ku Shen), Sophora alopecuroides, and related Sophora species. Bioactive compound concentration in plant sources: sophoridine content in Sophora alopecuroides seeds is approximately 0.1–0.8% dry weight depending on species and extraction method. As a purified compound used in research and traditional medicine contexts, it contains no caloric value, no protein, no lipids, no carbohydrates, and no fiber. Bioavailability notes: sophoridine demonstrates moderate oral bioavailability in preclinical models; it crosses the blood-brain barrier (supporting observed [neuroprotective](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) data), undergoes hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) primarily via CYP enzymes, and has a reported half-life of approximately 2–4 hours in rodent models. Aqueous solubility is limited, which affects formulation bioavailability. No human pharmacokinetic data with precise bioavailability percentages is currently established in peer-reviewed literature. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges for sophoridine are available. Preclinical studies used various concentrations such as 0.8 mg/mL (in vitro) and 15-25 mg/kg (in vivo mouse). Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Sophoridine shares structural and pharmacological similarities with matrine and oxymatrine, and animal toxicity studies suggest hepatotoxic potential at higher doses, warranting caution in individuals with pre-existing liver conditions. No well-documented human drug interaction studies exist, but theoretical interactions with CYP450-metabolized drugs, anticoagulants, and immunosuppressants cannot be ruled out given its NF-κB and [cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)-modulating activity. Sophoridine is contraindicated in pregnancy based on preclinical data suggesting potential embryotoxicity observed in animal models. Due to the absence of robust human safety data, use by pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, children, or those on chronic medications is strongly discouraged without medical supervision. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials or meta-analyses for sophoridine have been identified. The evidence is limited to preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies, focusing on its effects in colon cancer models. ## Historical & Cultural Context Sophoridine is derived from plants used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, such as Sophora alopecuroides. However, specific historical uses for sophoridine itself, as opposed to the plants, are not documented. ## Synergistic Combinations Curcumin, Resveratrol, Green Tea Extract, Quercetin, Ashwagandha ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is sophoridine and where does it come from? Sophoridine is a quinolizidine alkaloid extracted primarily from Sophora alopecuroides, a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine, as well as other Sophora species. It is structurally related to matrine and oxymatrine, differing in the stereochemical configuration of the tetracyclic ring system. These alkaloids are concentrated in the seeds and roots of the plant and have been studied for pharmacological activity since the late 20th century. ### Does sophoridine have anti-cancer properties? Preclinical studies, including Liang et al. (2012) and Wang et al. (2019), have demonstrated that sophoridine inhibits proliferation of colon cancer cell lines by inducing caspase-dependent apoptosis and downregulating Bcl-2 expression. It has also shown anti-proliferative effects in vitro against other cancer cell types, including hepatocellular and lung cancer lines in separate laboratory studies. However, no human clinical trials have validated these effects, so anti-cancer claims in humans remain unsubstantiated. ### What are the neuroprotective effects of sophoridine? Preclinical data from rodent models suggest that sophoridine may protect neurons against ischemia-reperfusion injury and oxidative stress-induced cell death, potentially through reduction of reactive oxygen species and modulation of inflammatory cytokine release. Doses in the range of 10–20 mg/kg in animal studies have been associated with reduced neuronal apoptosis markers. These findings are considered preliminary, and no human neurological trials have been conducted to confirm these effects. ### Is sophoridine safe to take as a supplement? Sophoridine lacks formal human clinical safety trials, and its structural similarity to matrine raises concerns about potential hepatotoxicity at elevated doses, as observed in animal toxicity studies. Common adverse effects reported in preclinical work include gastrointestinal disturbance and liver enzyme elevation at high doses. It is not recommended for pregnant women, individuals with liver disease, or those taking CYP450-dependent medications without explicit guidance from a qualified healthcare provider. ### How does sophoridine differ from matrine and oxymatrine? Sophoridine, matrine, and oxymatrine are all quinolizidine alkaloids from Sophora species and share a similar tetracyclic carbon skeleton, but differ in stereochemistry and functional groups; oxymatrine contains an N-oxide group absent in sophoridine and matrine. These structural differences result in distinct pharmacokinetic profiles and potency variations across biological targets, with matrine and oxymatrine having a larger published research base than sophoridine. Sophoridine is generally considered less studied but has shown comparable NF-κB inhibitory and apoptosis-inducing activity in the cell-line models where direct comparisons have been made. ### What does current clinical research show about sophoridine's effectiveness in humans? Most evidence for sophoridine comes from preclinical laboratory and animal studies, particularly regarding its anti-tumor effects in colon cancer models and anti-inflammatory properties. Human clinical trials remain limited, making it difficult to confirm efficacy and optimal dosing in actual patients. The gap between promising test-tube results and human evidence is significant, so supplements containing sophoridine should not be considered proven treatments for cancer or inflammatory conditions. ### Is sophoridine safe to use alongside chemotherapy or cancer medications? There is insufficient clinical data to determine whether sophoridine is safe to combine with chemotherapy drugs or other cancer medications. Because sophoridine shows anti-tumor properties in laboratory studies, there is theoretical potential for interactions with conventional cancer therapies. Anyone undergoing cancer treatment should consult their oncologist before using sophoridine or any related supplement, as combining treatments without medical supervision could compromise treatment safety or efficacy. ### What natural food sources contain sophoridine, and can diet alone provide therapeutic amounts? Sophoridine is found in plants of the Sophora genus, particularly Sophora flavescens (kushen), traditionally used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Obtaining meaningful amounts of sophoridine through diet alone would require consuming large quantities of these plants, making supplemental forms more practical for those seeking concentrated doses. However, the lack of established human dosing guidelines makes it unclear what constitutes a 'therapeutic amount' in supplement form. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*