# SophorOx (Sophora japonica extract)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/sophorox
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-23
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Sophora japonica L., Japanese Pagoda Tree, Huai Hua, Scholar Tree, Pagoda Tree, Huai Mi, Styphnolobium japonicum

## Overview

Sophora japonica extract contains high concentrations of rutin and quercetin, flavonoids that inhibit xanthine oxidase and reduce inflammatory markers. These compounds support [cognitive function](/ingredients/condition/cognitive), reduce uric acid levels, and may benefit prostate health through [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) mechanisms.

## Health Benefits

• May support cognitive function and memory (preliminary evidence - one ongoing human trial, n=100)
• Reduces uric acid levels and protects against hyperuricemia (animal studies - 200-600 mg/kg reduced serum uric acid via xanthine oxidase inhibition)
• Supports prostate health by reducing [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) (animal studies - decreased cytokines including IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α in prostatic hypertrophy models)
• Potential [neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s against amyloid-beta accumulation (preclinical evidence only)
• May support [bone health](/ingredients/condition/bone-health) through osteoblast stimulation and osteoclast inhibition (preclinical evidence from dichloromethane fruit extract)

## Mechanism of Action

The primary bioactive compounds rutin and quercetin inhibit xanthine oxidase, the enzyme responsible for uric acid production, reducing hyperuricemia. These flavonoids also modulate inflammatory pathways by suppressing NF-κB activation and reducing [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s like IL-6 and TNF-α. Additionally, quercetin crosses the blood-brain barrier and may enhance [cognitive function](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) through neuroprotective [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant).

## Clinical Summary

Human evidence is limited to one ongoing [cognitive](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) trial with 100 participants showing preliminary benefits for memory function. Animal studies demonstrate significant uric acid reduction at doses of 200-600 mg/kg through xanthine oxidase inhibition, with up to 40% decreases in serum uric acid levels. Prostate health benefits are supported only by in vitro studies showing reduced [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) markers in prostate tissue. More human trials are needed to establish clinical efficacy and optimal dosing.

## Nutritional Profile

SophorOx is a standardized extract derived from Sophora japonica (Japanese pagoda tree), primarily valued for its bioactive flavonoid and isoflavonoid content rather than macronutrient contribution. Key bioactive compounds include: • Rutin (quercetin-3-O-rutinoside) — typically standardized to 40–95% depending on extraction process; a major glycosylated flavonol with [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity • Quercetin — present as both free aglycone and bound glycosides; concentrations vary (~5–15% of extract); known for anti-inflammatory and uric acid-lowering properties • Troxerutin (trihydroxyethylrutin) — a semi-synthetic derivative sometimes co-present in processed extracts • Sophoricoside and genistin — isoflavone glycosides contributing to anti-inflammatory and phytoestrogenic activity • Kaempferol and isorhamnetin — minor flavonol constituents (~1–5%) • Sophorabioside — a flavonoid glycoside unique to Sophora species • Genistein (aglycone form) — released upon hydrolysis of genistin; relevant to prostate health mechanisms via modulation of NF-κB and cytokine pathways. Macronutrient content is negligible as this is consumed as a concentrated extract (typical dose likely in the 100–500 mg range for humans). No significant vitamins, minerals, fiber, or protein content at supplemental doses. Bioavailability notes: Rutin has relatively low oral bioavailability (~20% or less) due to dependence on gut microbiota-mediated hydrolysis to quercetin and further metabolites in the colon; co-administration with fats or piperine may modestly enhance absorption. Quercetin aglycone is better absorbed than glycoside forms but still subject to extensive first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and glucuronidation. Genistein bioavailability is moderate (~20–40%) and influenced by gut microflora composition, particularly equol-producing bacteria. The extract's primary pharmacological relevance lies in xanthine oxidase inhibition (IC50 values reported in the low µM range for quercetin) and suppression of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α) rather than nutritional supplementation.

## Dosage & Preparation

The only clinically studied dosage is 1,250 mg/day of S. japonica pill (containing 558 mg standardized extract) for 8 weeks in an ongoing [cognitive](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) support trial. Animal studies used 200-600 mg/kg body weight of water extract. No established human dosing guidelines exist. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Sophora japonica extract is generally well-tolerated in healthy adults, though mild gastrointestinal upset may occur at higher doses. The rutin content may enhance anticoagulant medications like warfarin, potentially increasing bleeding risk. Individuals with kidney stones or gout should consult healthcare providers before use due to its effects on uric acid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established.

## Scientific Research

Human clinical evidence for SophorOx is extremely limited, with only one ongoing randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (n=100, ages 40-70) testing 1,250 mg/day for [cognitive](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) support over 8 weeks - results pending. Current evidence relies primarily on animal studies showing benefits for hyperuricemia (reduced xanthine oxidase activity), prostatic hypertrophy (PMID: 32504221), and colitis (PMID: 35691061).

## Historical & Cultural Context

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sophora japonica flower buds, fruits, and seeds have been used for centuries to treat [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) issues including bleeding and hypertension, as well as [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation). Recent clinical focus has shifted toward cerebral infarction and vascular dementia applications, representing 55.7% of current clinical studies.

## Synergistic Combinations

Quercetin, Rutin, Ginkgo biloba, Lion's Mane, Alpha-GPC

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in Sophora japonica extract?

The main bioactive compounds are rutin and quercetin, flavonoid antioxidants that comprise up to 20% of standardized extracts. Rutin is particularly concentrated in the flower buds and provides the primary xanthine oxidase inhibition activity.

### How much Sophora japonica extract should I take daily?

Animal studies suggest human equivalent doses of 200-400mg daily may be effective for uric acid reduction. However, no established human dosing guidelines exist, and most supplements provide 100-300mg of standardized extract containing 10-20% rutin.

### Can Sophora japonica help with gout symptoms?

Animal studies show significant uric acid reduction through xanthine oxidase inhibition, which theoretically could benefit gout. However, no human trials have specifically tested Sophora japonica for gout treatment, and it should not replace proven medications.

### Does Sophora japonica interact with blood thinners?

Yes, the rutin and quercetin content may enhance anticoagulant effects of warfarin and other blood thinners. This could potentially increase bleeding risk, so medical supervision is recommended when combining with anticoagulant medications.

### How long does it take to see benefits from Sophora japonica?

Animal studies showed uric acid reductions within 2-4 weeks of supplementation. For cognitive benefits, the ongoing human trial suggests effects may take 8-12 weeks to become apparent, though individual responses may vary significantly.

### Is SophorOx (Sophora japonica extract) safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

There is insufficient clinical safety data on Sophora japonica extract during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it should be avoided during these periods as a precaution. Pregnant and nursing women should consult with a healthcare provider before using any Sophora-based supplement. Animal studies have not specifically evaluated reproductive or lactation safety for this ingredient.

### What does current research show about SophorOx for cognitive function?

Preliminary evidence suggests Sophora japonica may support cognitive function and memory based on one ongoing human trial (n=100), though results are not yet published or conclusive. This research is in early stages and larger clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy and identify optimal dosing. More robust clinical evidence would be required before making definitive claims about cognitive benefits.

### Who should avoid SophorOx (Sophora japonica extract) supplementation?

People taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications should avoid or use Sophora japonica only under medical supervision due to potential interaction with blood thinners. Those with active bleeding disorders, scheduled surgery, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also avoid this ingredient. Individuals with xanthine oxidase-related conditions or those taking xanthine oxidase inhibitors for gout should consult a healthcare provider before use.

---

*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
*License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*