Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
The Short Answer
Matrine is a quinolizidine alkaloid derived from Sophora flavescens that exhibits hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. It works primarily by modulating NF-κB signaling pathways and reducing inflammatory cytokine production.
CategoryNamed Bioactive Compounds
GroupCompound
Evidence LevelModerate
Primary Keywordmatrine benefits
Synergy Pairings3
Matrine — botanical close-up
Health Benefits
Origin & History
Natural habitat
Matrine is a tetracyclic quinolizidine alkaloid extracted primarily from the roots of Sophora flavescens (Ku Shen) and Sophora alopecuroides, plants used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is isolated through alkaloid fractionation methods such as solvent extraction and chromatography, yielding matrine as a key bioactive compound alongside related alkaloids.
“Matrine originates from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where Sophora flavescens roots have been used for centuries to treat inflammation, pain, infections, and respiratory issues. Historical TCM applications included treating inflammatory edema (similar to aspirin effects), diabetic complications, and arrhythmias, with modern research building upon these traditional uses.”Traditional Medicine
Scientific Research
Human clinical evidence for matrine is limited, with one RCT examining matrine sitz bath for perianal infection in acute leukemia patients (PMID: 32498526), though specific outcomes were not detailed. A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies (n=657 experiments) demonstrated significant liver protective effects at 20-30 mg/kg/day in rats, with AST reductions (SMD = -3.76, 95% CI [-4.74, -2.78], p<0.0001). Most evidence remains preclinical, including anticancer effects demonstrated in colorectal cancer cells (PMID: 30466620).
Preparation & Dosage
Traditional preparation
Animal studies suggest optimal dosing at 10-69.1 mg/kg with 20-30 mg/kg/day showing high protection and low toxicity in rats over 0.02-0.86 weeks. Human dosage recommendations are not established due to limited clinical trials. Toxicity may increase above 69.1 mg/kg or with use beyond 4 weeks based on animal data. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Nutritional Profile
Matrine is a pure alkaloid compound (C15H24N2O, molecular weight 248.36 g/mol) extracted primarily from Sophora flavescens (Ku Shen) and related Sophora species. It is not a food ingredient and therefore contains no macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, fats), dietary fiber, vitamins, or minerals in any meaningful sense. As a bioactive compound, it is the primary active constituent of interest. Typical standardized extracts of Sophora flavescens root contain 0.5–2% matrine by dry weight, with oxymatrine (its N-oxide metabolite) co-occurring at comparable concentrations. Pharmaceutical-grade isolated matrine is available at >98% purity. Bioavailability: Oral bioavailability in animal models is approximately 30–50%, with peak plasma concentration (Tmax) reached within 1–2 hours post-administration. It undergoes hepatic metabolism, with oxymatrine serving as both a co-occurring natural analog and a primary metabolite. Matrine crosses the blood-brain barrier to a limited degree. Half-life is approximately 2–4 hours in rodent models; human pharmacokinetic data are limited. No caloric value; no fiber, vitamin, or mineral content applicable.
How It Works
Mechanism of Action
Matrine inhibits nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) translocation, reducing production of inflammatory mediators like TNF-α and IL-6. The compound also modulates mitochondrial apoptotic pathways by regulating Bcl-2 family proteins and cytochrome c release. Additionally, matrine influences hepatic stellate cell activation and collagen synthesis through TGF-β1 pathway modulation.
Clinical Evidence
Current evidence comes primarily from animal studies, with a meta-analysis of 657 experiments showing significant reductions in liver injury markers (AST reduction SMD = -3.76, p<0.0001). Preclinical research demonstrates anti-cancer effects through apoptosis induction in colorectal cancer cell lines. Human clinical trials are limited, making safety and efficacy data preliminary. Most research focuses on hepatoprotective effects against chemical-induced liver damage in rodent models.
Safety & Interactions
Matrine may cause gastrointestinal upset, dizziness, and skin reactions in some individuals. The compound can potentially interact with hepatically metabolized drugs due to its effects on liver enzymes. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid matrine due to insufficient safety data. High doses may cause cardiac arrhythmias and should be avoided in individuals with heart conditions.
Synergy Stack
Hermetica Formulation Heuristic
Also Known As
(7R,9R,13S)-7,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13-dodecahydro-1H-pyrido[2,1-f]quinazolin-7-iumSophocarpine derivativeKu Shen alkaloidSophora alkaloidQuinolizidine alkaloidKS-2Chinese bitter root extract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical dosage of matrine for liver health?
Animal studies typically use 25-100 mg/kg body weight, but human dosing guidelines are not established. Most commercial supplements contain 50-200 mg per serving, though optimal human dosing requires further clinical research.
Can matrine help with hepatitis B?
Preliminary animal studies suggest matrine may reduce hepatitis B virus replication and liver inflammation markers. However, human clinical evidence is limited and it should not replace conventional hepatitis B treatments without medical supervision.
How long does it take for matrine to show liver benefits?
Animal studies show liver enzyme improvements within 1-2 weeks of treatment. Human timeframes are unknown, but traditional use suggests benefits may take 4-8 weeks of consistent supplementation to become apparent.
Is matrine safe to take with blood thinners?
Matrine may interact with anticoagulant medications by affecting liver enzyme activity and drug metabolism. Individuals taking warfarin or other blood thinners should consult healthcare providers before using matrine supplements.
What foods contain natural matrine?
Matrine is found primarily in Sophora flavescens root (ku shen) and other Sophora species used in traditional Chinese medicine. It's not present in significant amounts in common dietary foods, making supplementation the primary source for therapeutic doses.
What does the current clinical evidence show about matrine's effectiveness?
Most evidence for matrine comes from animal studies and in vitro research rather than human clinical trials. A meta-analysis of 657 animal experiments showed significant reductions in liver injury markers like AST, but these results are preliminary and require human validation. Current research suggests potential benefits for liver health and anti-cancer properties, but larger, well-designed human studies are needed to confirm efficacy and establish clinical relevance.
Who should avoid taking matrine supplements?
Matrine should be avoided by pregnant and nursing women due to insufficient safety data in these populations. People with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulant medications should consult a healthcare provider before supplementing, as matrine may have blood-thinning properties. Individuals with known allergies to plants in the Leguminosae family (where matrine is naturally found) should also exercise caution.
How does matrine compare to other liver-support supplements?
Unlike milk thistle (silymarin), which has moderate human clinical evidence, matrine's research base is primarily animal and in vitro studies. Matrine appears to work through different mechanisms—specifically reducing liver injury markers and modulating inflammation—compared to milk thistle's antioxidant and antifibrotic pathways. Direct comparative human trials between matrine and established liver supplements are currently lacking, making it difficult to determine relative efficacy.
Explore the Full Encyclopedia
7,400+ ingredients researched, verified, and formulated for optimal synergy.
Browse IngredientsThese statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
hermetica-encyclopedia-canary-zzqv9k4w matrine curated by Hermetica Superfoods at ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com and licensed CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 (non-commercial share-alike, attribution required)
