Background
- The pagoda tree is native to eastern Asia and was brought to Japan. It is a popular tree in northern areas because of its white flowers that bloom in late summer. The pagoda tree is often used in bonsai horticulture.
- Lectins (proteins) from the pagoda tree have been used for cell function monitoring after kidney transplant.
- A few lab and animal studies have been done on anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and radioprotective properties of the pagoda tree. Currently there is not enough available evidence in humans to support the use of pagoda tree for any medical condition.
References
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View Abstract - Grupp C, Hemprich U, John H, et al. Lectin staining for urine cytologic monitoring after kidney transplantation. Nephrol.Dial.Transplant. 2002;17(8):1491-1496.
View Abstract - Kim BH, Chung EY, Ryu JC, et al. Anti-inflammatory mode of isoflavone glycoside sophoricoside by inhibition of interleukin-6 and cyclooxygenase-2 in inflammatory response. Arch Pharm Res 2003;26(4):306-311.
View Abstract - Kite GC, Stoneham CA, Veitch NC. Flavonol tetraglycosides and other constituents from leaves of Styphnolobium japonicum (Leguminosae) and related taxa. Phytochemistry 2007;68(10):1407-1416.
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View Abstract - Narimanov AA, Kuznetsova SM, Miakisheva SN. [The modifying action of the Japanese pagoda tree (Sophora japonica) and pantocrine in radiation lesions]. Radiobiologiia. 1990;30(2):170-174.
View Abstract - Poretz RD, Barth RF. Studies on the interaction of the Sophora japonica lectin and concanavalin A with erythrocytes and lymphocytes. Immunology 1976;31(2):187-194.
View Abstract - Potapov MI. [Partial group-specific phytohemagglutinins anti-B1 and anti-B2]. Sud.Med Ekspert. 2004;47(1):16-19.
View Abstract - Smirnova NI, Mestechkina NM, Shcherbukhin VD. [Fractional isolation and study of the structure of galactomannan from sophora (Styphnolobium japonicum) seeds]. Prikl.Biokhim.Mikrobiol. 2004;40(5):596-601.
View Abstract - Wang KH, Lin RD, Hsu FL, et al. Cosmetic applications of selected traditional Chinese herbal medicines. J Ethnopharmacol 7-19-2006;106(3):353-359.
View Abstract - Wu AM, Kabat EA, Gruezo FG, et al. Immunochemical studies on the reactivities and combining sites of the D-galactopyranose- and 2-acetamido--2-deoxy-D-galactopyranose-specific lectin purified from Sophora japonica seeds. Arch.Biochem.Biophys. 1981;209(1):191-203.
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