As a traditional Chinese medicine herb, Kushen (Sophorae Flavescentis Radix) possesses the functions of clearing heat and drying dampness, killing worms, and promoting urination, and has been widely used in clinical practice. With the rapid advancement of modern analytical technologies and increasing industrial demand, the development and utilization of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix have been continuously expanded across multiple sectors, including Chinese patent medicines, chemical drugs, veterinary medicines, pesticides, and cosmetics, resulting in the formation of a relatively complete industrial chain.This review systematically summarizes the resource distribution and trade status of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix, as well as the impact of processing and preparation techniques on its quality and pharmacological efficacy. Particular emphasis is placed on its current applications and dosage-form characteristics in Chinese patent medicines, chemical drugs, veterinary medicines, green pesticides, and cosmetic products. In addition, based on national drug and veterinary drug registration data, pesticide registration information, and patent literature, the product structure and technological innovation trends related to Sophorae Flavescentis Radix are comprehensively analyzed. Finally, future research and industrial development directions of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix are discussed from the perspectives of resource security literature, chemical constituent and pharmacological basis studies, exploration of classical and empirical compound prescriptions, multi-sectoral collaborative applications, enhancement of safety evaluation and quality standards, and the establishment of international standards, with the aim of providing a scientific reference for the inheritance, innovation, and high-quality development of the Sophorae Flavescentis Radix industry.

Sophorae Flavescentis Radix  /  resource utilization  /  processing and preparation  /  quality standards  /  product structure  /  industrial development