Non-alkaloidal constituents of Sophora flavescens:structure, activity and biosynthesis.

Sophora flavescens Aiton (Kushen) is a widely used medicinal herb known for its rich phytochemical composition. The plant contains alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenoid saponins, and other bioactive constituents, among which non-alkaloids are of significant research interest. From 1968 to 2025, 158 non-alkaloids have been isolated. In this review, non-alkaloids were classified according to their skeleton frameworks and substitution patterns, including poly-isopentenyl, isoflavonoids, pterocarpans, benzofuran derivatives, etc. Then this paper systematically summarizes their biological activities, structure-activity relationships (SAR), as well as their NMR spectroscopic features and the biosynthesis of the side-chain cyclization in isopentenyl flavones. Pharmacological studies have shown that non-alkaloid compounds have many biological activities, including anti-inflammation, antioxidant, antitumor and anti-Alzheimer disease. This review provides a comprehensive reference for the structural elucidation, pharmacological evaluation, NMR characterization and biosynthesis of non-alkaloids from Sophora flavescens.