The efficacy and function of Sophora japonica

Many people choose Sophora japonica vine because of its high-value pharmacological effects, but be careful not to eat it casually, otherwise it will have some bad effects on the body. We need to understand it before eating it. Are you ready?

【English name】 root of Edible oxystelma

[Other names] High crown vine, small double flying butterfly, milk-promoting vine

[Source] Medicinal material source: The whole plant of Sophora japonica var.

[Original form] A weak perennial herbaceous vine, 3m tall. The whole plant has latex; the stem is green and hairless. Leaves are opposite; petiole is 1-1.5cm long, with 2-3 small glands at the top; leaf blade is linear or linear-lanceolate, 6-11cm long and 0.7-2cm wide; veins are flat on both sides, with 9-12 on each side, and they are networked into a marginal vein near the leaf margin. The umbel-shaped cymes are axillary, usually with 2-4 flowers; the calyx has 5 lobes, with numerous small glands at the inner base; the corolla is nearly radial, 2-2.5 cm in diameter, with white lobes, purple-red stripes on the inner side, and ciliated; the corona is in two whorls, the outer whorl is born at the base of the corolla, annular, with membranous edges and truncated at the tip, and the inner whorl is born at the base of the stamens, 5 pieces, long triangular, with fleshy protrusions on the back, long pointed at the tip, higher than the stigma; there is one pollinia in each locule, oblong, drooping. The ovary consists of 2 high carpels, is glabrous, with an enlarged stigma, 5 ridges at the base and a convex tip. The follicles are oblong-lanceolate, twin or solitary. The seeds are oval, with white silky hairs up to 2 cm long at the tip. The flowering period is from July to September, and the fruiting period is winter.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Grown in moist bushes beside streams at an altitude of 750m or on rocks beside moist ditches in low hilly woodlands.

[Chemical composition] The root contains cardiac glycosides and pregnane glycoside compounds. Cardiac glycosides include oxyline[1], oxystelmoside and 5β-hydroxyoxystelmine[2]. Pregnane glycosides include oxysine[3], oxystine[4] and esculentin[5].

【Nature and flavor】 Sweet; spicy and slightly cold

【Meridian】 Liver; Gallbladder

【Functions and indications】 Clears away heat and dampness; disperses blood stasis and reduces swelling; promotes lactation; detoxifies. It is used for damp-heat jaundice, trauma, cancer, milk retention, and snake bites.

[Usage and Dosage] Oral administration: 9-15g, decocted in water. For external use: take appropriate amount, grind into powder and apply; or mash fresh leaves and apply.

[Discussions by various scholars] "Xinhua Compendium of Materia Medica": Root: Treats jaundice, bruises, etc., and folks also say it can treat cancer.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

The above are some little knowledge about Sophora japonica. If you feel it is suitable for your physical condition, you might as well give it a try. I believe it will bring about obvious improvements to your body.