Root of a Chinese herbal plant.
Why it’s used: Traditionally used in Chinese practice for skin and scalp.
Sophora flavescens is a shrubby member of the pea family that grows on hillsides and grasslands across China, Japan and Korea. Its long yellow root, known in Chinese as ku shen, meaning bitter root, has been part of traditional Chinese practice for more than two thousand years and is recorded in the classic herbal text Shennong Bencao Jing.
In Chinese practice sophora root is traditionally used for skin and scalp, often in washes and topical preparations as well as in herbal formulas. Today it appears mainly in hair and skin care. On an ingredient list you may see Sophora flavescens root extract, and it is often blended with other Asian botanicals such as chrysanthemum and sappanwood in scalp formulas.
The root contains two main groups of active compounds, alkaloids such as matrine and oxymatrine, and prenylated flavonoids such as kurarinone. Laboratory studies have investigated their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. Most of this research is at the laboratory and animal stage, and studies in people are limited.
3 findings behind this ingredient. Hover a card for the detail and the source.
Laboratory work plus a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled six-month study in patients with androgenetic alopecia. Alopecia scores improved significantly with lotion containing the extract (P < 0.01).
Laboratory study of the root extract's effect on melanin formation, plus a clinical test of a 0.05% cream on human skin. The cream gave a significant whitening effect by instrument and visual assessment.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of nine randomised trials of topical multi-herb formulas for psoriasis. Formulas improved overall clinical efficacy versus placebo or standard anti-psoriasis treatments; sophora root was the most commonly used herb.
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Sophora flavescens root, called ku shen in Chinese, is traditionally used in Chinese practice for skin and scalp. Today it is found mainly as a root extract in hair and skin care, often alongside other Asian botanicals.
Applied to the skin in cosmetic products, it is generally used at low levels. Taken by mouth in high or prolonged doses, its alkaloid matrine has caused liver and kidney effects in animal studies, so oral use should be discussed with a GP or pharmacist first.
Matrine is an alkaloid found in sophora root and one of its most studied compounds. Laboratory research has explored a range of effects, but it has also shown toxicity at high doses in animals, which is why dose and duration matter.
Information only, not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your GP or pharmacist first.
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