Asian Journal
Of Traditional Medicines

Abstract:  Sophora flavescens Alt., a perennial herb of Sophora in Leguminosae family, was widely distributed in the north and south of China. Its root is utilized as a traditional Chinese medicine to clear heat, drain dampness, kill insect and promote urination by virtue of bitter and cold. Its chemical components are complex and diverse, mainly including alkaloids and flavonoids. Modern pharmacological studies have found that prenylflavonoids and quinolicidine alkaloids are the characteristic chemical constituents and the main active ingredients, with anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, and other various biological activities. This study reviewed the chemical constituents of S. flavescens and the pharmacological effects of flavonoids in it in order to provide reference for further development.

Key words: Sophora flavescens Alt., chemical components, biological activities