Japanese pearl (Japanese sofora) – immunity and blood system under protection

Japanese pearl (Styphnolobium japonicum), also known as Japanese sofora (Sophora japonica), has unique health-promoting propertieshealth-promoting properties, which are mainly related to the abundance of flavonoids present in this plant. A prominent role is played by the high content of rutin and quercetin, which make pearlmint an indispensable ally of high immunity. Rutin (a.k.a. rutoside) is known for its blood vessel-strengthening and anti-inflammatory properties, while quercetin is a potent weapon against allergies. Thanks to the presence of these substances, Japanese pearlwort has become a valued natural remedy in the fight against various health ailments, including those related to the work of the circulatory and immune systems.

Japanese pearlflower (Japanese sofora) – decorative values plus extraordinary health-promoting qualities

Japanese pearlflower(Styphnolobium japonicum), or Japanese shupin, Japanese sofora or Chinese shupin, is an ornamental and medicinal plant not very well known in Europe. It is native to the Far East, most likely China and Korea, and has an important place in traditional Chinese medicine (among other things, it is used as a blood pressure stabilizer, anti-hemorrhagic, anti-inflammatory and heart function normalizer). Although it has a centuries-old tradition in Asia, pearlwort came to the Old Continent late, only in the 18th century.

The Japanese pearl is an extensive deciduous tree with a heavily branched, beautiful crown that gives the impression of a dome. Noteworthy, however, is not only the impressive crown, but also the picturesque flowers and ornamental fruits of the periwinkle. Thanks to these qualities, the Japanese sofora is one of the most attractive to the eye and most valued decorative trees. That is why it can be found in an increasing number of parks and botanical gardens. It is especially impressive when in bloom.

Japanese pearl is a member of the bean family. It is a very melliferous plant . It secretes large amounts of nectar, which strongly attracts insects. Interestingly, bees collect the nectar of the pearlflower even from broken off flowers resting on the ground. The periwinkle tree blooms late – in July and August, while it bears fruit from September to November.

The pearlwood tree grows up to 30 meters in height. The crown is spherical, dense, the trunk is short and thick, the bark is dark gray, heavily cracked. Japanese sofora has odd-shaped leaves composed of a dozen small, egg-shaped leaflets. It also has white-cream butterfly-like flowers gathered in large, prominent inflorescences situated on the shoot tips.

The fruits are green fleshy pods equipped with distinct constrictions between the individual seeds. By their unusual structure, the fruits of the Japanese pearl plant resemble strings of pearls. Some also associate them with rosaries.

Rutin, quercetin, and more – pearlwood as a treasure trove of flavonoids

Japanese pearlwort contains a number of active components, a large part of which (up to about 30%), are extremely valuable flavonoids for health, including rutin, quercetin, isoramnetin, kemferol, genistein, among others. They support the body’s immune system, speeding up regenerative processes and reducing the duration of infections. This makes Japanese pearlwort a frequently chosen natural remedy to help fight viral and bacterial infections.

The most important components of Japanese pearlwort are:

• Quercetin. Japanese pearlwort has a high quercetin content known for its excellent anti-inflammatory, antihistamine and anti-allergic properties. It provides relief from allergic reactions and inflammation. It supports the immune system, helps regulate blood pressure and protects nerve cells from damage and death.

• Rutin. Japanese pearl is one of the best natural sources of rutin. This is its most important compound accounting for about 20% of the dry weight of the buds. Rutin, or rutoside, has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It protects cells from oxidative stress, inhibits allergic reactions, strengthens blood vessels, improves blood circulation, reduces swelling, and helps relieve symptoms of venous insufficiency.

Other valuable components of Japanese pearlwort for health:

• soforycoside,
• sorabielazide,
• isoramnetin,
• genistein,
• kemferol,
• glycosides,
• vitamin C,
• essential oils,
• organic acids,
• alkaloids,
• triterpenes,
• isoflavones,
• polysaccharides,
• phospholipids.

Japanese pearloba – medicinal properties.

The medicinal raw materials are the undeveloped flower buds and fruits of Japanese pearlwort. They are extremely rich in rutin and its derivatives, as well as quercetin. Thanks to these components, Japanese sophora is highly effective in relieving cold symptoms, strengthening the body and supporting recovery from various diseases and infections.

The high concentration of rutin and other flavonoids also makes pearlmint a valuable aid against diseases of civilization.

How does Japanese pearlmint work:

• strengthens the immune system,
• shows anti-inflammatory properties by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting the inflammatory response,
• helps inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria, viruses and fungi,
• has strong antioxidant properties, increases the stability of cell membranes, protects cells from damage caused by oxygen free radicals,
• helps normalize blood sugar and cholesterol levels,
• protects the heart, improves the condition of the cardiovascular system,
• inhibits hemorrhages,
• benefits the digestive system, reduces diarrhea, bloating, abdominal cramps,
• helps with dust allergies and other allergies, blocks the mechanism of histamine release, thus reducing allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, skin reactions.

Periwinkle for immunity, periwinkle in the prevention and treatment of colds

Japanese pearlwort is gaining popularity as a natural immunity-building resource . Thanks to its high concentration of flavonoids, the plant stimulates the immune system to activity, thus strengthening the mechanism of capturing and neutralizing pathogens (e.g. viruses, bacteria, parasites). At the same time, it participates in extinguishing inflammatory processes.

Thanks to these activities, it reduces the incidence of colds and infections, such as upper respiratory tract infections and flu-like diseases. In addition, pearlmint reduces allergic reactions by reducing the secretion of histamine, thereby reducing the frequency of allergy symptoms.

Regular consumption of Japanese pearllifera preparations in the form of specialized formulations (e.g. NuviaLab Immune) contributes to increased vitality, strengthening the body’s natural defenses and increasing protection against infections, as well as improving overall health and well-being.

Periwinkle for the circulatory system

Thanks to its high content of quercetin, rutin and other flavonoids, Japanese sophora has high antioxidant potential. As a result, it actively protects cells from free radicals and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Thanks to flavonoids, pearlmint inhibits the process of lipid storage in tissues, helps to reduce the level of bad cholesterol LDL and counteracts the formation of atherosclerotic plaque on the walls of arteries. It strengthens and seals blood vessels, and helps normalize blood pressure. It also has an anticoagulant effect (inhibits the clumping of platelets). By improving the elasticity of blood vessels, it prevents them from bursting.

Japanese pearlwort for varicose veins

The high concentration of rutin, which has a beneficial effect on venous vessels, means that pearllium extracts are increasingly beingused more and more often in preparations aimed at improving venous capacity and reducing troublesome symptoms, especially in the lower extremities.

When used systematically, Japanese pearl mussel extracts improve blood circulation, strengthen venous vessels, seal them and improve their function. Thus, they counteract blood stasis in the lower limbs, reduce the visibility of varicose veins and vascular spider veins, and eliminate such discomfortssuch as leg edema, heaviness of the legs, tingling, cramps in the legs, numbness in the limbs, leg pain associated with poor circulation in the lower limbs.

Japanese pearloma – how to apply it?

The ways of using Japanese pearlwort can vary depending on your preference and therapeutic goals:

• Infusions of dried Japanese pearl flower. One of the most popular ways to consume Japanese pearlwort is to prepare infusions. To make such an infusion, pour about 1-2 tablespoons of dried Japanese pearlwort flowers over a glass of hot water and let it infuse for about 10-15 minutes. The infusions can be drunk 2-3 times a day. The addition of honey or lemon can improve their flavor.

• Extracts of pearlwort. If you want an easier way to consume and higher doses of active substances in a small portion of the specific, you can use extracts of Japanese pearlwort in liquid or capsule form. Extracts are usually more abundant in active ingredients, which can make it easier and faster to achieve the desired health effects.

• Ready-made dietary supplements with geranium. Ready-made, multi-ingredient dietary supplements containing extracts of Japanese pearlwort (such as NuviaLab Immune) are also available on the market. The contents of pearlwort, together with other immune system-boosting ingredients, make them an effective way to achieve high immunity.

How to make a tincture of Japanese pearlwort?

Put the dried or fresh flower buds of the pearlwort in a large jar or wide-necked bottle and pour in alcohol (50 percent or 60 percent). The recommended ratio is 1:4 (e.g., 1 cup of flower buds to 4 cups of alcohol). Cap the vessel and set it aside in a dark, cool place. Once a day or once every 2-3 days we shake the vessel. After 2-4 weeks, we strain the tincture and pour it into a dark bottle. Drink 2 times a day, 1 teaspoon each.

Pericarp as an ornamental tree – conditions and cultivation.

The Japanese pearl tree prefers warm, sunny, sheltered from the wind places. It grows best in well-drained, moderately moist, alkaline, calcareous, fertile soils, but it also tolerates soils of inferior quality, such as dry soils (pearlliferae are drought-tolerant). It is a good idea to mulch the soil around the trunks (for example, using pine bark). Young trees are worth covering (e.g. with straw) for the winter.

Sources:

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34552351/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27085938/