Sophora flavescens or Ku Shen, which in Chinese means "bitter root," is an herb used in Traditional medicine to treat a wide variety of symptoms, with purported effects on the liver, intestinal tract, and skin. Lab and animal studies have shown that some compounds can kill cancer cells and help fight certain viruses. However, human data are lacking.

Sophora flavescens may act like an estrogen in the body. Patients with hormone-sensitive cancer should avoid this product.

Ku Shen

C$9.99

Ku Shen Gen

Bitter root

Yellow sophora root
Cancer treatment
Lab studies show anticancer activities through different mechanisms, but this use has not been proven by clinical trials.

Antiviral
Limited evidence suggests that a compound from Sophora flavescens may be useful for hepatitis B and coxsackie B viruses, but more data are necessary to support this use.

Skin disorders
Sophora flavescens is used to treat skin disorders in Traditional Medicine, but this use has not been proven in clinical trials.

Ku Shen

Common Names

Potential Benefits

Scientific Name