Sophoricoside (SOP)

Sophoricoside is a natural isoflavone glucoside primarily derived from the dried fruit of Sophora japonica (the Japanese Pagoda Tree). It is a bioactive small molecule rather than a traditional protein target such as a receptor or enzyme. Sophoricoside is recognized for its potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, which it exerts by inhibiting the NF-kappaB signaling pathway and selectively suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-alpha. Pharmacologically, it has been identified as a selective antagonist of the Liver X receptor beta (LXR-beta) and an activator of the M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR). These interactions allow it to modulate lipid metabolism and promote hair growth, making it a subject of research for treating conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), osteoporosis, and alopecia.

Other names

Genistein 4'-O-glucosideGenistein 4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranosideSOPSOPH

Sophoricoside acts as a selective antagonist of Liver X receptor beta (LXR-beta), an agonist of the M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor, and a selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity. It further modulates cellular responses by inhibiting the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB and activating the AMPK signaling pathway.