Radix Sophorae
Flavescentis
Source
Root of the Sophora flavescens Ait., family Leguminosae.
Characteristics
Root
long-terete, with branching roots at the lower part; 10-30 cm long, 1-2
cm in diameter; with transverse and long lenticels on the cork, the peel
usually dehiscing and curved outwards or separated. Prepared as crosscut
pieces, with bundles radially arranged and cracks on the section, and
annual rings visible in the old ones. Bitter in taste, cold in nature,
and attributive to heart, liver; stomach, large intestine and urinary
bladder channels.
Indication
1. Clear away heat and deprive dampness from middle-jiao: For diarrhea,
dysentery, jaundice and leucorrhagia of dampness-heat type. Recently,
also used for trichomoniasis intestinalis, lambliasis, trichomonas or
mycotic vaginitis (chiefly for local use).
2. Expel wind and kill parasite: For prurigo of wind-heat or dampness-heat
type, scabies, pyoderma, leprosy, etc.
3. Eliminate phlegm and relieve dyspnea: For cough and dyspnea.
4. Calm the mind: For insomnia, palpitation, insanity, etc. Recently,
used for neurasthenia, manic psychosis and arrhythmia.
5. Clear away heat and promote diuresis: For stranguria of heat type and
edema.
Pharmacological
Action
1.
Matrine and oxymatrine counter the arrhythmia induced by chloroform-adrenaline
or aconitine, and its injection slows heart rate and weakens myocardial
contractility in experimental animals.
2. Inhibitory on the contraction of sensitized guinea-pig intestine and
release of allergic medium in vitro.
3. Antiasthmatic and expectorant.
4. Bacteriostatic, antiamebic and trichomonacidal.
5. Matrine 30 mg/kg and oxymatrine 100 mg/kg on X-ray induced leukopenia
in rabbits.
6. Inhibitory on sarcoma180 in mice.
Administration Decoction: 9g: for arrhythmia and psychosis, 30-60g. External use: Appropriate amount.