Evidence supporting the use of: Sophora flavescens
For the health condition: Bites and Stings

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Sophora flavescens (commonly known as Ku Shen) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), including for the treatment of bites and stings from insects and sometimes snakes. Historical texts and TCM formularies reference its application for reducing swelling, alleviating pain, and counteracting toxins, which are relevant to bites and stings. The root contains alkaloids such as matrine and oxymatrine that are believed, in TCM theory, to have clearing heat, drying dampness, and detoxifying properties.

However, while there are some in vitro and animal studies demonstrating anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-allergic effects of Sophora flavescens extracts, there is a lack of direct scientific research specifically validating its efficacy for bites and stings in humans. Modern clinical evidence is minimal or absent. Most of the support for this use comes from historical and empirical records rather than controlled scientific studies. Therefore, its use for this purpose is considered primarily traditional, with limited evidence from laboratory research that is not directly focused on this indication.

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