Named Bioactive Compounds · Compound
Sophocarpine
Moderate Evidencealkaloid2 PubMed Studies
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Sophocarpine is a quinolizidine alkaloid derived from Sophora species that exhibits anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of MAPK, NF-κB, and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. This bioactive compound demonstrates potential anti-cancer properties and analgesic effects in preclinical studies.
Sophocarpine is a quinolizidine alkaloid extracted from the seeds and plants of Sophora species, primarily Sophora alopecuroides and Sophora viciifolia Hance, which are leguminous plants native to Asia. It belongs to the matrine-type alkaloids and is isolated through standard phytochemical extraction methods from plants used in traditional Chinese medicine.
No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses specifically for sophocarpine were identified. The only human study found tested a Sophora alopecuroides extract (containing sophocarpine) for acute opioid withdrawal (PMID: 31793731), but lacked details on study design or sophocarpine-specific dosing. All other evidence comes from preclinical studies in cell cultures and animal models.
No clinically studied human dosages have been established. Animal studies used 40-80 mg/kg orally or intraperitoneally in mice. In vitro cancer studies showed activity at 2.5-2.9 μM concentrations. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Sophocarpine is a tetracyclic quinolizidine alkaloid (molecular formula: C15H22N2O, molecular weight: 246.35 g/mol) isolated primarily from Sophora species, particularly Sophora alopecuroides (ku dou zi) and Sophora flavescens (ku shen). It is not a nutritional compound and has no macronutrient, vitamin, or mineral profile relevant to dietary intake. Key bioactive characteristics include: • Pure alkaloid compound, structurally related to matrine and oxymatrine, differing by a single double bond (Δ1,12-dehydromatridinone); • Typical concentrations in source plant material range from 0.1–2.5% dry weight depending on species, plant part, and harvest conditions; • In Sophora alopecuroides seeds, sophocarpine content can reach approximately 0.8–1.5% (w/w); • Bioavailability: Oral bioavailability in rodent models is estimated to be moderate (~30–50%), with relatively rapid absorption (Tmax approximately 0.5–1.5 hours in rat pharmacokinetic studies); plasma half-life reported at approximately 2–4 hours in murine models; • Hepatic metabolism is primarily via CYP450 enzymes, with phase I oxidation being the dominant metabolic pathway; • Water solubility is moderate as a free base but significantly enhanced as hydrochloride salt form (sophocarpine hydrochloride), which is the form commonly used in research preparations; • Contains no carbohydrates, fats, proteins, dietary fiber, vitamins, or minerals; • The compound acts as a bioactive pharmacological agent rather than a nutrient, with primary targets including MAPK/NF-κB/PI3K-AKT signaling cascades, TRPA1/TRPV1 ion channels, and various apoptotic pathways in cancer cell models; • LD50 in mice (intraperitoneal): approximately 100–150 mg/kg, indicating significant toxicity at higher doses — not suitable for consumption as a food or supplement without rigorous safety evaluation; • Commonly co-occurs with other Sophora alkaloids including matrine, oxymatrine, sophoridine, and cytisine, which may contribute to synergistic or additive pharmacological effects in crude extracts.
Sophocarpine exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting multiple cellular pathways including mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling cascades. In cancer cell studies, sophocarpine induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest through modulation of p53 and caspase pathways. The compound also demonstrates analgesic activity through interaction with opioid receptors and anti-pruritic effects via histamine pathway modulation.
Current evidence for sophocarpine is limited to animal studies and in vitro research, with no completed human clinical trials. Animal studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in rodent models of inflammation and arthritis at doses of 10-50 mg/kg. In vitro studies show cytotoxic activity against colorectal cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 2.547-2.851 μM. While preclinical results are promising, human safety and efficacy data are not yet available.
Safety data for sophocarpine in humans is limited due to lack of clinical trials. As a quinolizidine alkaloid, sophocarpine may cause gastrointestinal upset, dizziness, and potential hepatotoxicity at high doses based on related compounds. The alkaloid may interact with cytochrome P450 enzymes, potentially affecting metabolism of certain medications. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid sophocarpine due to insufficient safety data and potential teratogenic effects of alkaloids.
