Vietnamese sophora, also known as Sophora flavescens, has roots in traditional medicine systems, especially within Chinese and Vietnamese herbal practices. It is known locally as "khổ sâm" in Vietnamese and "Ku Shen" in Chinese. Traditionally, this herb has been employed to treat a variety of conditions, including skin disorders, gastrointestinal issues, and inflammation. There are records that mention its inclusion in complex herbal formulas sometimes used for neurological conditions, but its use specifically and primarily for epilepsy is not a common or widely emphasized traditional indication.

Scientifically, there is very limited evidence supporting the use of Sophora flavescens for epilepsy. Most modern pharmacological research on this plant focuses on its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. While some of its active compounds (such as matrine and oxymatrine) have demonstrated neuroprotective effects in laboratory studies, there is a lack of direct clinical or preclinical research validating its efficacy or safety for treating epilepsy in humans or animal models.

In summary, while Vietnamese sophora has a long tradition of medicinal use, its application for epilepsy is minimally supported by traditional sources and almost entirely unsupported by scientific research. Its use for this condition should therefore be considered weakly justified, relying more on tradition than on scientific validation.