Background: The genus Sophora (Fabaceae) represents one of the important medicinal plant genera regarding its chemical constituents and outstanding pharmacological activities.
Purpose: In this review, we surveyed the latest findings on the bioactivities of different Sophora extracts and isolated phytochemicals during the past 8 years (2011-2019) updating the latest review article in 2011. The aim of this review is to focus on the molecular pharmacology of Sophora species to provide the rationale basis for the development of novel drugs.
Results: Sophora and its bioactive compounds possess outstanding pharmacological properties, especially as anticancer and anti-inflammatory drugs, in addition to its antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.
Conclusion: Based on their use in traditional medicine, Sophora species exert a plethora of cellular and molecular activities, which render them as attractive candidates for rationale drug development. Randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials are required for further integration of Sophora-based phototherapies into conventional medicine.
Keywords: Fabaceae; Molecular pharmacology; Signaling pathways; Sophora, Biological activity.
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