Radix Sophorae Tonkinensis
Source
The root and rhizome of Sophora tonkinensis Chun et T. Chen, family Leguminosae.
Characteristics
Rhizome
irregularly nodose, with relic stem bases or traces at the upper part
and several terete roots at the lower part, 20-30 cm long, 1.0-1.5 cm
in diameter; root cortex with transverse long lenticels. Prepared as segments
or pieces. With a smell of beans. Bitter in taste, cold in nature, and
attributive to lung channel.
Indication
Clear away heat and toxic material, ease the throat: For sore-throat.
Recently, also for laryngocarcinoma, early stage of lung cancer, etc.
Pharmacological
Action
1. Antineoplastic. Matrine, an active component, is anticarcinogenic on
ascitic carcinoma in mice in vitro and in vivo. Other active components,
oxymatrine, sophoraponicin, pterorepine, trifolirhizin and maackian, are
anticarcinogenic on sarcoma in mice. Its aqueous extract inhibits the
growth of cervix carcinoma.
2.
Oxymatrine or matrine raise peripheral white cell's level in rabbit.
3. Dauricine relieves arrhythmia induced by aconitine, digitoxin or KC1.
4. Inhibites secretion of gastric juice and promotes the rapair of gastric
ulcer.
5. Antiasthmatic.
Administration Decoction: 3-6g.
Caution: Sophora tonkinensis is poisonous and may cause dizziness, nausea and vomiting, so the dose should be limited.