Named Bioactive Compounds · Compound
Sophoricoside (Flavonoid Glycoside)
Moderate Evidenceflavonoid4 PubMed Studies
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Sophoricoside is a flavonoid glycoside derived from Sophora japonica that demonstrates hepatoprotective and cardioprotective properties. It works primarily by modulating protein degradation pathways and reducing inflammatory cytokine production in liver and cardiovascular tissues.
Sophoricoside is a flavonoid glycoside (specifically an isoflavone glycoside) extracted from the seeds of Sophora japonica L., also known as Japanese pagoda tree or Fructus Sophorae, a plant widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. It belongs to the chemical class of genistein glycosides and is isolated through standard extraction methods from the plant's herbal material.
No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses have been conducted on sophoricoside. All current evidence comes from preclinical studies including in vitro cell assays using hepatocellular carcinoma cells (Huh7 and SK-Hep-1), and in vivo animal models testing doses of 20-40 mg/kg orally and 30 mg/kg intraperitoneally in mice for various conditions.
No clinically studied human dosages are available. Animal studies have used 20-40 mg/kg/day orally in cancer models and 30 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally for liver conditions. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Sophoricoside is a flavonoid glycoside (isoflavone glucoside) with the molecular formula C₂₁H₂₀O₁₀ and a molecular weight of approximately 432.38 g/mol. It is the 4'-O-glucoside of genistein, consisting of the aglycone genistein bound to a glucose moiety at the 4'-hydroxyl position. As a single bioactive compound rather than a whole food, it does not possess a conventional macronutrient profile (no significant protein, fat, carbohydrate, fiber, or caloric contribution at pharmacologically relevant doses). Key bioactive characteristics: • Primary classification: Isoflavone glycoside (subclass of flavonoids) • Aglycone component: Genistein (5,7-dihydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)chromen-4-one) • Sugar moiety: β-D-glucopyranose • Natural concentration in source plants: Found primarily in Sophora japonica (Japanese pagoda tree) fruits and seeds, typically at concentrations of approximately 1–5% dry weight of mature fruit, and in Styphnolobium japonicum; also present in lesser amounts in other leguminous plants • Solubility: Moderately soluble in methanol, ethanol, DMSO, and aqueous-organic mixtures; limited aqueous solubility (~0.1–0.5 mg/mL in water), which affects oral bioavailability • Bioavailability notes: Oral bioavailability is relatively low due to extensive first-pass metabolism; the glycoside bond is hydrolyzed by intestinal β-glucosidases and gut microbiota to release the aglycone genistein, which is then absorbed and undergoes phase II conjugation (glucuronidation and sulfation) in the liver and intestinal wall. Gut microflora composition significantly influences conversion rates and downstream metabolite profiles (e.g., equol production from genistein varies among individuals). The intact glycoside form may have slower absorption kinetics compared to free genistein but potentially more sustained plasma levels. Approximate T_max for metabolites is 4–8 hours post-oral administration in animal models. • No vitamins, minerals, or macronutrients are contributed by this isolated compound at typical experimental or supplemental doses (usually studied in the range of 10–100 mg/kg body weight in animal models, or micromolar concentrations in vitro).
Sophoricoside promotes protein degradation in hepatocellular carcinoma cells through activation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system and autophagy pathways. The compound reduces inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and IL-1β while modulating NF-κB signaling cascades. Its cardioprotective effects involve activation of AMPK pathways and improved endothelial function through nitric oxide regulation.
Current evidence for sophoricoside is limited to preclinical studies, with no published human clinical trials available. Animal studies using doses of 20-50 mg/kg showed 40-60% reduction in liver inflammation markers and significant inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation. Small in vitro studies demonstrated dose-dependent cytotoxic effects against liver cancer cell lines at concentrations of 10-100 μM. Human clinical data is needed to establish therapeutic efficacy and optimal dosing protocols.
Safety data for sophoricoside in humans is limited due to lack of clinical trials. Preclinical studies suggest good tolerability at therapeutic doses, but potential gastrointestinal upset may occur at higher concentrations. The compound may interact with medications metabolized by CYP450 enzymes, particularly those affecting liver function. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data and potential hormonal effects of flavonoid compounds.
