Dr. Grey AI

Ku shen

Sophora flavescens (Ku Shen) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine herb primarily researched for anti-cancer properties. Also may inhibit 5-alpha reductase (promoting hair growth) and PDE5 (promoting erections). Contains matrine and oxymatrine alkaloids. NO GRADED OUTCOMES - research is mainly preclinical. Some human studies exist in cancer patients (often IV injection, not oral supplements). The alkaloids have interesting pharmacology but also potential toxicity concerns, especially matrine. Not recommended for self-treatment; would require medical supervision for any therapeutic use.

Quick Answer

What it is

Sophora flavescens (Ku Shen) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine herb primarily researched for anti-cancer properties. Also may inhibit 5-alpha reductase (promoting hair growth) and PDE5 (promoting erections).

Key findings

  • Grade D: Anti-Cancer Effects
  • Grade D: Hepatitis B Viral Load
  • Grade D: Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Safety

  • The alkaloids have interesting pharmacology but also potential toxicity concerns, especially matrine.
ℹī¸ Quick Facts: Ku shen

Quick Facts: Ku shen

  • Best Evidence:Grade D
  • Conditions Studied:1
  • Research Outcomes:7
  • Key Effect:Acute Viral Hepatitis
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C0
D7
1 conditions ¡ 7 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

D
Anti-Cancer Effects
Matrine and oxymatrine induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest across multiple cancer cell lines in vitro. Animal models show tumor growth inhibition. Some human studies in China have used injectable matrine preparations in cancer patients, but these are IV formulations under medical supervision, not oral supplements. No controlled trials of oral Ku Shen for cancer exist.
6 studies
moderate↓Worsens
D
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Preclinical studies (in vitro and animal models) demonstrate anti-inflammatory activity of matrine and other Ku Shen alkaloids, including suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. No human studies have evaluated anti-inflammatory effects of oral Ku Shen supplementation.
3 studies
small↓Worsens
D
Hepatotoxicity Risk
Matrine and oxymatrine have a narrow therapeutic window, with hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity reported at doses near the therapeutic range. Case reports and pharmacological studies document liver injury at supratherapeutic doses. The effective-to-toxic dose ratio is small, making unsupervised oral use potentially dangerous.
3 studies
moderate↑Worsens
D
Hair Growth Promotion
In vitro studies demonstrate that Sophora flavescens compounds inhibit 5-alpha reductase, the same enzyme target as finasteride (used for androgenetic alopecia). However, no human studies have evaluated Ku Shen or its alkaloids for hair loss. Efficacy for hair growth is entirely theoretical based on enzyme inhibition assays.
2 studies
small↑Improves
D
Erectile Function
In vitro studies show PDE5 inhibitory activity from Sophora flavescens compounds, sharing a mechanism with sildenafil (Viagra). However, no human studies have evaluated Ku Shen for erectile dysfunction. The erectogenic potential is inferred solely from enzyme inhibition potency in cell-free or cell-based assays.
2 studies
small↑Improves
D
Liver Protection
Animal studies show hepatoprotective effects of Sophora flavescens alkaloids, including protection against chemical-induced liver injury. Paradoxically, at higher doses, these same alkaloids can cause hepatotoxicity. No human studies have evaluated oral Ku Shen for liver protection, and the narrow therapeutic window raises significant safety concerns.
2 studies
small↓Worsens
D
Hepatitis B Viral Load
Oxymatrine has been studied in Chinese clinical settings for hepatitis B, primarily as an injectable preparation. Some human data suggest antiviral effects against HBV, but research quality is limited, and these studies used parenteral (non-oral) administration under medical supervision. No rigorous RCTs of oral supplementation exist.
3 studies
small↓Worsens

Evidence by Condition

Best grade per condition (each condition may have multiple outcomes)

DAcute Viral Hepatitis
1
↓Hepatitis B Viral LoadWorsens

Related Supplements

Kutki

1 shared condition ¡ 3 outcomes

Picrorhiza kurroa (Kutki or Picroliv) is a liver tonic from Ayurveda that, when used at low doses, appears to exceed milk thistle silymarins in potency. It is underresearched, but its liver protective effects and some other immunomodulatory properties hold potential.