Styphnolobium japonicum (Japanese Pagoda Tree)

Styphnolobium japonicum, commonly known as the Japanese pagoda tree or Chinese scholar tree, is a deciduous tree in the legume family (Fabaceae) native to China. It was formerly classified as Sophora japonica, a name that is still widely encountered in herbal and ingredient references. The flowers and flower buds are rich in flavonoids, including rutin, while other plant parts contain a different mixture of bioactive compounds.

In equine supplements, Styphnolobium japonicum may be included as a traditional botanical ingredient for its phytochemical content rather than as a source of essential nutrients. Equine-specific research is limited, and the safety profile varies by plant part; for example, the pods are reported to contain toxic constituents. Proper botanical identification and selection of the intended plant part are therefore important when this ingredient is used in animal formulations.