Chinese Scholar Tree
Styphnolobium japonicum
Styphnolobium japonicum, commonly known as the Japanese pearl tree or pagoda tree, is a traditional plant in East Asian medicine. Its use for medicinal purposes has not been extensively documented. Scientific studies have shown that this plant contains bioactive compounds with various biological activities, but clinical evidence supporting its therapeutic benefits remains limited. The flowers of Styphnolobium japonicum exhibit stage-specific accumulation of flavonoids due to coordinated gene expression and metabolite production. Additionally, it is a host plant for Drosicha corpulenta, with nymph emergence varying between years, and native nitrogen-fixing legumes like S. japonicum can facilitate invasive plant growth through nutrient transfer and microbial pathways. No major safety concerns or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- This review highlights the Japanese pearl tree's (Styphnolobium japonicum) potential health benefits through its bioactive compounds with various biological activities, though clinical translation remains limited.
- The study found that Styphnolobium japonicum was one of several host plants preferred by Drosicha corpulenta, with nymph emergence varying between years.
- Styphnolobium japonicum flowers show stage-specific accumulation of flavonoids through coordinated gene expression and metabolite production.
- Native nitrogen-fixing legumes like Styphnolobium japonicum can facilitate invasive plant growth through both nutrient transfer and microbial pathways.
- A widely targeted metabolomics study identified 1,559 metabolites in Styphnolobium japonicum flower buds from different production areas.
Frequently asked questions
What is Chinese Scholar Tree?
Chinese Scholar Tree (Styphnolobium japonicum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Chinese Scholar Tree?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Chinese Scholar Tree; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: This review highlights the Japanese pearl tree's (Styphnolobium japonicum) potential health benefits through its bioactive compounds with various biological activities, though clinical translation remains limited.
How strong is the evidence for Chinese Scholar Tree?
The strongest finding for Chinese Scholar Tree carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Chinese Scholar Tree safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Chinese Scholar Tree in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Chinese Scholar Tree interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Chinese Scholar Tree in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Chinese Scholar Tree?
Chinese Scholar Tree is also known as: Софора японская, Arbre aux pagodes.
Is Chinese Scholar Tree a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Widely targeted metabolomics study of flower buds of Styphnolobium japonicum from different producing areas. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Drosicha corpulenta (Hemiptera: Monophlebidae) in an Arid New City: Phenology, Host Suitability, and Spatial Distribution of Overwintering Eggs. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Japanese Pearl Tree (Styphnolobium japonicum): An Exploration of Its Health Benefits. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Turncoat? Native Nitrogen-Fixing Legumes Facilitate Plant Invasion via Soil Microbes and Nitrogen Transfer. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Integrated Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Profiling Reveals Developmental Reprogramming of Flavonoid Biosynthesis in Styphnolobium japonicum Flowers. literature abstract metadata