Sophora is a genus of about 45 species of small trees and shrubs in the pea family Fabaceae. The species are native to southeast Europe, southern Asia, Australasia, various Pacific islands, western South America, the western United States, Florida and Puerto Rico. The generic name is derived from sophera, an Arabic name for a pea-flowered tree.
Contents
Uses
Sophora often used as a cool Chinese herb to stop bleeding. But the benefits of pagoda tree go far beyond its medicinal uses – its flowers can be used as yellow dye, seeds as industrial oil, fruits as a source of sophorose and rutin drugs, and trunks as the timber for construction of buildings, shipbuilding, farming implements and furniture
Benefits
- Many plants and botanicals contain a range of highly active and beneficial phytonutrient compounds; Sophora japonica is no exception. Sophora japonica contains two potent flavonoids, troxerutin and oxymatrine, which exhibit strong antioxidant activity and have repeatedly been shown to support circulatory system health
- Sophora Japonica and HemorrhoidsHemorrhoids, which are categorized by swollen and uncomfortable blood vessels around the anus, are an unpleasant, but extremely common problem. Topical creams, ointments, and cushions are common therapies but many people understandably prefer herbal remedies that promote promote venous health, rather than simply temper unpleasant symptoms.The beneficial compounds contained within Sophora japonica may make it one of the best herbal supplements for hemorrhoids. Troxerutin has vasoprotective properties and is a therapy for hemorrhoids. Oxymatrine is known to help reduce the swelling associated with unhealthy blood vessels.
- Sophora Japonica and Cardiovascular HealthAlthough Sophora japonica promotes healthy blood vessels, it also promotes overall cardiovascular system healing. It supports normal heartbeat and helps create an environment that’s less susceptible to blood clot formation. Preliminary animal models suggest that oxymatrine may even protect the heart and improve its functionality.
Cautions
Sophora japonica in large doses may lead to poisoning because of the ingredient of cytosine contained, which bears a likeness to nicotine. Therefore, women during pregnancy and suckling period should avoid this herb. In addition, TCM wise use it with care in the cases of deficiency-cold in spleen and stomach and fever due to yin deficiency but without excess fire.
Interactions
None are recorded.
Other names
Japanese pagoda tree, Sophora Japonica
References
Source: GlobalHealing Center, http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/what-is-sophora-japonica/
Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sophora
Chineseherbshealing, http://www.chineseherbshealing.com/sophora-japonica/