What it is
Ku Shen, derived from the root of Sophora flavescens, is a traditional Chinese medicine herb. It is utilized for its properties in addressing skin issues characterized by damp-heat patterns, such as itching and inflammation.
Supplement · Skin, Hair & Connective Tissue
Ku Shen (Sophora flavescens)
500 mg · vegan · gluten-free · 90 caps
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How it works
Ku Shen contains bioactive compounds like matrine and oxymatrine, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antipruritic effects. These compounds modulate inflammatory pathways and inhibit microbial growth, thereby alleviating skin discomfort and improving skin health.
Who should take it
Adults looking to address dull skin, hair thinning, premature ageing. Particularly relevant for people who prefer a targeted single ingredient and who have ruled out an underlying condition that needs medical care first.
Avoid / careful
Pregnant or nursing women without clinician oversight. People on prescription medication affecting the same pathway should consult a doctor before combining. Side effects are uncommon at recommended doses but mild GI upset can occur when starting.
When to take it
Morning
Noon
Evening
Night
How to take it
With food
Empty stomach
Before food
FAQs
Frequently asked
How long does it take to see results for skin issues?
Visible improvements in skin conditions typically emerge within 8 to 12 weeks of consistent daily use.
Can Ku Shen be combined with other supplements?
Yes, Ku Shen can be layered into broader protocols, particularly those focused on skin health or immune support, but consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
What are the primary active compounds in Ku Shen?
The main bioactive alkaloids are matrine and oxymatrine, known for their therapeutic properties.
Research
6 studies · 2010–2024
Evidence grade
ABCD
C · C · emerging-to-moderate human evidence for skin, hair and connective-tissue health
From the blog
Editorial notes
SacredBod's longer take on Ku Shen (Sophora flavescens) — context the structured blocks above don't capture.
About Ku Shen (Sophora flavescens)
Ku Shen (Sophora flavescens) is a skin, hair & connective tissue supplement used to support skin, hair and connective-tissue health. Sophora root for damp-heat skin and itching. It is available in capsule form and dosed for adults in India and internationally. As a tcm-tradition entry in the SacredBod catalog, it is positioned as a single-ingredient option that can be used on its own or layered into a broader protocol. Ku Shen (Sophora flavescens) works through the mechanisms characteristic of its class — see the mechanism and research sections for detail. It primarily acts on the skin, hair, connective tissue, and effects are dose-dependent, typically becoming measurable within 8-12 weeks for visible skin changes. Consistency matters more than dose size for this category.
Evidence
Ku Shen (Sophora flavescens) carries an evidence grade of C in the SacredBod catalog, reflecting emerging human evidence for skin, hair and connective-tissue health. Sophora root for damp-heat skin and itching. Benefits are cumulative rather than immediate, typically becoming noticeable within 8-12 weeks for visible skin changes, and individual response varies.
Dosing
A typical dose is 500 mg, taken with food, usually in the morning. Start at the lower end, assess tolerance, and stay consistent; more is not automatically better.
Cautions
Pregnant or nursing women without clinician oversight. People on prescription medication affecting the same pathway should consult a doctor before combining. Side effects are uncommon at recommended doses but mild GI upset can occur when starting.
Who it’s for
Adults looking to address dull skin, hair thinning, premature ageing. Particularly relevant for people who prefer a targeted single ingredient and who have ruled out an underlying condition that needs medical care first.
As part of the Skin, Hair & Connective Tissue category, Ku Shen (Sophora flavescens) can be used on its own or layered into a broader protocol — see the Goes with panel for evidence-aligned pairings.
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