Ku Shen, Shrubby sophora

Sophora flavescens

Physical Characteristics

Sophora flavescens is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - Russia to China.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Antibacterial Antifungal Antipruritic Astringent Bitter Carminative Diuretic Dysentery Eczema Febrifuge Leprosy Parasiticide Parasiticide Pectoral Stomachic Tonic Urinary The root is anthelmintic, antibacterial, antifungal, antipruritic, astringent, bitter, carminative, diuretic, febrifuge, parasiticide, pectoral, stomachic and tonic[61, 147, 174, 176, 178, 218, 279]. It is used internally in the treatment of jaundice, dysentery, diarrhoea and urinary infections[238]. It is used both internally and externally in the treatment of vaginitis, eczema, pruritis, ringworm, leprosy, syphilis, scabies and itching allergic reactions[238]. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[238]. The plant is anthelmintic and diuretic[218]. It also has antibacterial activity, inhibiting the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Trichomonas vaginitis[176, 218].

Known Hazards

The plant contains cytisine, which resembles nicotine and is similarly toxic[238]. The plant is poisonous when used in quantity[74, 174].