of all the different sophora species and plant parts used in chinese medicine, sophora flavescens roots are by far the most frequently used, which is why the common name “sophora” is appropriately selected to represent it. sophora was first described in the shennong bencao jing (ca. 100 a.d.). it is traditionally used to dispel heat, dry dampness, expel wind, and eliminate intestinal parasites. it is thus administered in formulas for dysentery and jaundice (damp-heat syndromes), edema and dysuria (dampness syndromes), and eczema and pruritis (damp-heat-wind syndromes).