Japanese sophora (Sophora japonica)
Synopsis of Japanese sophora
Japanese sophora (Sophora japonica), also known as Styphnolobium japonicum, pagoda tree, or Huai Hua in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a deciduous tree native to China and Japan, historically used for both ornamental and medicinal purposes. The flower buds (Flos Sophorae Immaturus) and dried fruit are the parts most commonly used in herbal medicine. They contain active constituents such as rutin (a flavonoid), quercetin, sophoricoside (an isoflavone glycoside), alkaloids, and polysaccharides, which give the plant its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, vascular-protective, and hemostatic effects.
In modern herbal medicine, Japanese sophora is best known for supporting blood vessel health and capillary strength. Its high content of rutin contributes to reducing capillary fragility, venous insufficiency, and hemorrhoidal inflammation. It is also used in formulas for bleeding disorders, especially those involving intestinal bleeding, hemorrhoids, and excessive menstrual bleeding, where it acts as a cooling, astringent, and blood-moving herb.
The buds and fruits are used internally as decoctions or extracts, and externally in some topical preparations to soothe bruises, swelling, and skin inflammation. It is also used in cardiovascular support supplements due to its effects on blood pressure regulation, antioxidant defense, and endothelial function.
Historical Use
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese sophora flower buds are known as Huai Hua Mi and are classified as bitter and cool, primarily entering the Liver and Large Intestine meridians. They are used to clear heat, stop bleeding, and cool the blood, particularly in cases of hemorrhoids, dysentery, and bloody stools. The herb has appeared in classical Chinese texts for over a thousand years and is often included in formulas for lower-body heat and dampness, such as Huai Jiao Wan.
In Japanese Kampo medicine, Sophora japonica also appears in formulas designed to reduce inflammation and regulate bowel function, especially in conditions like ulcerative colitis and hemorrhoids.
Though less known in Western herbalism, Japanese sophora is gaining recognition for its potent bioflavonoid profile, particularly rutin and quercetin, which are used in modern vascular and anti-inflammatory supplements.
Today, Japanese sophora is appreciated as a traditional hemostatic and vascular-protective herb, offering broad support for circulatory health, bleeding regulation, and inflammatory conditions, while bridging ancient Eastern practice with modern phytotherapy.
Japanese sophora is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Blood Poisoning (Traditional)
Boils (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Edema (Traditional)
Eye Problems (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Glands (swollen lymph) (Traditional)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Itching (Traditional)
Menstrual Irregularity (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Poisoning (general) (Traditional)
Rashes and Hives (Traditional)
Scratches and Abrasions (Traditional)
Skin (infections) (Traditional)
Sore Throat (Traditional)
Staph Infections (Traditional)
Ulcerations (external) (Traditional)
Ulcers (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)
Japanese sophora is used to support these body systems
Blood (Traditional)
Capillaries (Scientific)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
