Sophora japonica

Sophora Japonica (also known as the Japanese Pagoda Tree or Chinese Scholar Tree) is a species of tree in the Fabaceae family, native to China and Korea, but widely cultivated in other regions due to its ornamental value.

Description

Sophora Japonica is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 25 meters in height. It has a broad crown and deeply furrowed bark. The leaves are pinnate with up to 17 leaflets, each leaflet up to 5 cm long. The flowers are white or pale yellow, produced in panicles up to 30 cm long in late summer, followed by a pod 3-6 cm long containing several seeds.

Cultivation and Uses

Sophora Japonica is widely cultivated for its ornamental value. Its flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds. The wood is used for furniture and carving. In traditional Chinese medicine, the flowers and buds (known as Huai Hua) are used to stop bleeding and reduce inflammation.

Chemical Constituents

Sophora Japonica contains a variety of chemical compounds, including flavonoids such as rutin and quercetin, and alkaloids such as matrine and oxymatrine. These compounds have been studied for their potential health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects.

Research

Research on Sophora Japonica has focused on its potential health benefits. Studies have suggested that the flavonoids and alkaloids in Sophora Japonica may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the mechanisms involved.

See Also

• Fabaceae
• Chinese medicine
• Rutin
• Quercetin
• Matrine
• Oxymatrine

References

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