Matrine is a natural alkaloid extracted from the Chinese herb Sophora flavescens. Matrine has demonstrated antiviral and anti-inflammatory bioactivity with relatively low toxicity. It has been used for cancer resarch and has been shown to induce apoptosis in many human cancer cell lines. Additionally, it acts as a nematicide against pine wood nematode, the causal agent of pine wilt. It alleviates neuro-inflammation and oxidative stress.