kushen gel

Kushen gel is a topical semisolid Chinese medicine preparation primarily used for gynecological and dermatological conditions. Its main active ingredient is matrine, an alkaloid extracted from the traditional Chinese herb Sophora flavescens (Radix Flavescentis), often accompanied by oxymatrine and formulated with carbopol as a gelling agent[2][4]. Matrine exhibits anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and immunomodulatory effects. Kushen gel is absorbed through mucosal tissues without causing irritation and can be evenly distributed over the cervix or vaginal walls when applied topically[2][6]. It has been studied for use in vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), chronic cervicitis (often post-cryotherapy), mixed vaginal infections, atopic dermatitis, liver cirrhosis, arrhythmia, and other inflammatory diseases[1][2][4][5]. Mechanistically, its components inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-4 via NF-κB and STAT6 pathways; they also downregulate TGF-β signaling. Additional compounds in Kushen extract—such as kushenol I/F—have demonstrated inhibitory activity against GSK3β kinase in preclinical studies[3][5].

Brand names

kushen gel

Other names

KS gelKushen recipe gel