Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Sophora, particularly species such as Sophora flavescens (commonly known as Ku Shen), has been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for various indications, though its primary historical applications are for clearing heat, drying dampness, and treating conditions such as dysentery, jaundice, and skin diseases. There is some precedent in traditional Chinese herbal practice for combining Sophora with other botanicals in formulas aimed at addressing menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes. However, Sophora is not a prominent or specific treatment for hot flashes in the major classical texts, and its use for this purpose is largely based on its general “heat-clearing” properties rather than targeted clinical evidence or well-documented tradition for menopausal vasomotor symptoms.

Scientific validation for the use of Sophora species in the treatment of hot flashes is minimal. There are no high-quality randomized controlled trials or systematic reviews supporting its efficacy for hot flashes in menopausal women. The available research on Sophora mostly investigates its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties, not its effects on menopausal symptoms. Therefore, while there is some traditional basis—mainly extrapolated from its “cooling” nature—the evidence is weak (rated as 1). Most clinical recommendations for hot flash management do not include Sophora as a principal or well-supported ingredient.

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