Evidence supporting the use of: Sophora flavescens
For the health condition: Adenitis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Sophora flavescens, commonly known as Ku Shen, has a long-standing history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of various inflammatory and infectious conditions, including those that involve swollen lymph nodes (adenitis). In TCM, its bitter and cold properties are believed to clear heat, dry dampness, and reduce toxic swellings, which aligns with traditional approaches to managing adenitis.
Historically, Sophora flavescens is included in herbal formulas aimed at “detoxifying” and “reducing abscesses or swellings,” which may include cases of lymphadenitis caused by bacterial or viral infections. The main active constituents, such as matrine and oxymatrine, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects in laboratory studies, but these studies are generally not specific to lymphadenitis or adenitis in clinical settings.
While these traditional uses are well-documented in herbal compendia and TCM literature, modern clinical trials specifically evaluating the efficacy of Sophora flavescens for adenitis are lacking. Most available scientific evidence pertains to its general anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial potential, not direct clinical outcomes for adenitis. Therefore, the justification for its use in adenitis is primarily traditional, with limited supportive evidence from modern scientific studies.
Other health conditions supported by Sophora flavescens
Abdominal PainAbscesses
Adenitis
Allergies (respiratory)
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Appendicitis
Arthritis
Asthma
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Chicken Pox
Chills
Cholera
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colitis
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Cuts
Dandruff
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Diphtheria
Eczema
Emphysema
Enteritis
Eye Infections
Fever
Fungal Infections