Matrine
- Chinese
- 苦参碱
- Pinyin
- Ku Shen Jian
- Latin
- Matrinum
Known in TCM as Ku Shen Jian (苦参碱), this bitter, cold herb enters the Heart, Liver, Stomach, Large Intestine, and Bladder. Traditionally, it isolated quinolizidine alkaloid concentrated from Ku Shen (Sophora flavescens root); carries forward Ku Shen's Heat-clearing, Damp-drying, and toxin-resolving actions in a purified form, most often applied for hepatitis, eczema, and cancer. Modern research has identified Matrine among its active constituents.
Also Known As
Latin: Matrinum | Pinyin: Ku Shen Jian | Chinese: 苦参碱
TCM Properties
- Taste
- bitter
- Temperature
- cold
- Channels
- Heart, Liver, Stomach, Large Intestine, Bladder
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Isolated quinolizidine alkaloid concentrated from Ku Shen (Sophora flavescens root); carries forward Ku Shen's Heat-clearing, Damp-drying, and toxin-resolving actions in a purified form
- Used in modern Chinese clinical practice, often by injection or standardized extract, for Damp-Heat skin conditions and Heat-toxin patterns
Classical References
- Not a classical single herb in its own right; represents the principal bioactive alkaloid of Ku Shen (Sophora flavescens), described in traditional materia medica for clearing Heat and drying Dampness
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Matrine (quinolizidine alkaloid)
- Oxymatrine (related oxidized alkaloid)
Studied Effects
- Antiviral activity against hepatitis B virus demonstrated for matrine-type alkaloids isolated from Sophora flavescens
- Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifibrotic, and anticancer activity reported across preclinical studies
- Documented hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity at high doses, a major factor limiting clinical use
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Pre-existing liver impairment
Cautions
- Documented hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity at high or prolonged dosing; use only under practitioner and, where applicable, medical supervision
- Not equivalent in dosing or safety profile to whole Ku Shen root; purified alkaloid forms carry a narrower margin of safety
Drug Interactions
- Theoretical additive hepatotoxic risk with other liver-metabolized medications
Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Matrine used for?
Matrine is traditionally used to Isolated quinolizidine alkaloid concentrated from Ku Shen (Sophora flavescens root); carries forward Ku Shen's Heat-clearing, Damp-drying, and toxin-resolving actions in a purified form, Used in modern Chinese clinical practice, often by injection or standardized extract, for Damp-Heat skin conditions and Heat-toxin patterns. Research has investigated its effects on: Antiviral activity against hepatitis B virus demonstrated for matrine-type alkaloids isolated from Sophora flavescens; Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifibrotic, and anticancer activity reported across preclinical studies.
What are other names for Matrine?
Matrine is also known as Matrine alkaloid, Isolated Sophora flavescens alkaloid. In TCM: 苦参碱 (Ku Shen Jian); Matrinum.
Is Matrine safe during pregnancy?
Matrine is not recommended during pregnancy.
What are the contraindications for Matrine?
Matrine should not be used in: Pregnancy; Pre-existing liver impairment. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.
Does Matrine interact with any medications?
Matrine may interact with: Theoretical additive hepatotoxic risk with other liver-metabolized medications. Always inform your healthcare provider of any herbal supplements you are taking.