Psoralea corylifolia
What's the taxonomical classification of Psoralea corylifolia?
Psoralea corylifolia belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. At the class level, it is situated under Equisetopsida, falling into the subclass Magnoliidae. Its taxonomic lineage continues through the order Fabales and into the family Fabaceae. Finally, the plant is identified by its genus, Psoralea, and its specific species epithet, corylifolia.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Psoralea |
| Species | corylifolia |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Psoralea corylifolia has an erect, annual herb structure reaching heights of 30 to 60 centimeters, characterized by pinnately compound leaves and small, pale violet or white flowers. The leaves typically consist of several pairs of leaflets that are oblong or ovate in shape with acute tips. Its inflorescence is arranged in axillary racemes, where the tiny, fragrant blossoms emerge from the leaf axils. The plant produces small, flattened, oval-shaped pods that eventually contain the characteristic dark, oblong seeds. These seeds are the most significant morphological feature due to their high oil content and medicinal value.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of India, China, and parts of Southeast Asia. It primarily thrives in warm climates where it can grow in diverse environments such as open forests and scrublands. Cultivation is widespread across the Indian subcontinent, particularly in states with suitable seasonal rainfall. In China, it is frequently found in southern provinces where the temperature remains consistently high. Its distribution is largely determined by the availability of well-drained soil and adequate sunlight.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant Psoralea corylifolia is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions through direct seeding in well-drained, sandy loam soils with a pH ranging from 7.0 to 8.5.
It requires full sunlight and moderate temperatures to thrive during its growth cycle. Farmers typically plant the seeds at the beginning of the monsoon season to ensure adequate moisture for germination. Regular irrigation is necessary during the early stages, although the mature plant is relatively drought-tolerant.
Proper weeding and occasional organic fertilization help maximize the yield of the medicinal seeds.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Psoralea corylifolia utilizes its seeds, roots, leaves, fruits, and flowers for various medicinal purposes. The seeds, commonly known as bakuchi, are the most significant part used to treat skin disorders like psoriasis and vitiligo. The roots are often processed to provide therapeutic compounds for internal ailments. While the leaves can be applied topically for skin conditions, the fruit and flowers also contain bioactive constituents that contribute to the plant's overall healing properties. Together, these diverse components make the entire organism a valuable resource in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
According to a study published by "Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica", seed soaking in triacontanol, ammonium molybdate and gibberellin can promote the growth of P. corylifolia. This process can reduce premature flower and fruit drop while raising the fruit-bearing rate by 6.5-17.4%. Additionally, the fruit-bearing number can be increased by 21.6-28.4%. These improvements can increase the yield per unit area by 31.5-34.8%. Seed soaking in naphthylacetic acid and boric acid does not provide such a marked effect.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- flower
- fruit
- leaf
- seed
- root
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, known as Babchi, has been utilized for centuries in Ayurveda, Siddha, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Unani systems to treat various skin conditions and systemic ailments. In the Ayurvedic and Siddha traditions, it is frequently employed to manage disorders like vitiligo, psoriasis, and various fungal infections. Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners often use it to address conditions related to blood deficiency and to clear heat from the body. Within the Unani system, the plant is valued for its properties in treating dermatological issues and promoting skin health. These diverse medicinal practices rely on the plant's potent bioactive compounds to achieve therapeutic effects.
According to a study published by "Phytotherapy research : PTR", Psoralea corylifolia L. is a well-known traditional medicinal plant used from ancient times for the treatment of various ailments. This plant is an important part of therapeutics in Ayurveda and in Chinese medicines. It is locally used for conditions such as alopecia, inflammation, leukoderma, leprosy, psoriasis, and eczema. The plant has been extensively investigated in vivo and in vitro for various biological and phytochemical studies. So far, about a hundred bioactive compounds have been isolated from the seeds and fruits.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Ayurveda
- Siddha
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Unani
What are the pharmacological activities of Psoralea corylifolia?
This plant has diverse pharmacological activities including anti-vitiligo, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer properties. Its ability to treat vitiligo is primarily driven by psoralen, which increases skin pigmentation through ultraviolet light activation. The presence of various flavonoids and coumarins contributes to its potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant capacities by neutralizing free radicals. Research also indicates that its bioactive compounds help regulate blood glucose levels, demonstrating significant anti-diabetic potential. Furthermore, certain extracts from the plant exhibit anti-cancer effects by inducing apoptosis in malignant cell lines.
According to a study published by "RSC advances", extracts of Psoralea corylifolia L. have been used for the repigmentation of leukoderma or vitiligo in traditional Uygur medicine for thousands of years. The active ingredient of the plant, furocoumarins, has been clinically applied because it exhibits strong photosensitivity. Based on previous work, a new series of furocoumarin derivatives labeled 8a-8o containing 1,2,3-triazole was designed and synthesized. Biological evaluation of melanin contents and tyrosinase activity in B16 murine cells indicated that five compounds, specifically 8a, 8j, 8m-8o, were more potent than the positive control 8-MOP on melanogenesis. Among these, compounds 8a and 8o showed the best stimulating effect on tyrosinase activity.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-vitiligo
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-oxidant
- anti-diabetic
- anti-cancer
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains several potent medicinal compounds including 8-methoxypsoralen, bakuchiol, psoralin, psoralidin, and various furanocoumarins. These bioactive constituents are primarily studied for their significant dermatological and therapeutic properties. Specifically, the presence of psoralin and 8-methoxypsoralen makes the plant a key source of furocoumarins used in treating certain skin conditions. Bakuchiol is another notable component often researched as a natural alternative to retinol in skincare formulations. Additionally, psoralidin contributes to the overall pharmacological profile of the species.
According to a study published by "Natural product research", the plant Psoralea corylifolia contains the active molecule Bakuchiol. Bakuchiol demonstrated a significant elevation of ACh transmission and a reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. This compound also showed the ability to extend lifespan. Furthermore, Bakuchiol showed efficacy in reducing amyloid β and lipid levels. This process possibly occurs through the upregulation of hsf-1 and lgg-1 genes.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 8-methoxypsoralen
- Bakuchiol
- Psoralin
- Psoralidin
- Furanocoumarins
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating vitiligo, psoriasis, alopecia, leprosy, and various abnormal pigmentation disorders. Its therapeutic efficacy is primarily attributed to the presence of psoralen, which helps stimulate melanin production in the skin. When applied topically, it can assist in restoring color to depigmented patches caused by autoimmune issues. The plant also demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties that aid in managing chronic skin conditions. Regular clinical application helps regulate skin cell turnover to address scaling and hair loss.
According to a study published by "Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology", Psoralea corylifolia is used for the treatment of vitiligo and hypermelanosis. Vitiligo is a condition affecting around 1% of the world's population. The use of Psoralea corylifolia has been associated with reports of blistering, erythema, acute hepatitis, and mutagenesis. The study identified 55 articles, including 47 clinical trials and 8 case reports, to review medicinal plants used for these pigmentation disorders.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- Vitiligo
- Psoriasis
- Leprosy
- Alopecia
- Abnormal pigmentation disorder
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Psoralea corylifolia, a botanical source used to create various medicinal preparations such as FP extract, Lei Gong's Procession, salt-bake, bakuchiol, and herbal paste. These preparations are utilized in traditional medicine to treat various dermatological conditions through different processing methods. The salt-bake technique involves heating the seeds with salt to modify their chemical potency. Bakuchiol is the primary bioactive compound extracted from the seeds that provides significant therapeutic effects. Additionally, clinicians may apply a topical herbal paste or use specialized extracts to manage skin disorders effectively.
According to a study published by "Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology", Fructus psoraleae (FP) is a classical TCM used for regulating Qi, alleviating asthma, tonifying kidneys, and reinforcing Yang. To evaluate reproductive toxicity, zebrafish were exposed to varying concentrations of FP at 0.025, 0.05, and 0.1 mg/mL. A 21-day FP extract exposure in zebrafish induced vitellogenin reduction, hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis gene dysregulation, and marked oocyte atresia. Nine FP-derived potential toxic compounds were identified in the ovary, with five exhibiting BMDL values near or below their measured concentrations. The maximum permissible daily intakes over 21 days for isopsoralen, isopsoralenoside, and bakuchiol were determined to be 0.5 μg/kg, 0.021 μg/kg, and 2.5 μg/kg, respectively.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- FP extract
- Lei Gong's Procession
- Salt-bake
- bakuchiol
- herbal paste
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause photosensitivity, skin irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hepatotoxicity, and dizziness. Exposure to its active compounds can lead to increased sensitivity to sunlight and localized inflammatory reactions on the skin. Ingesting the plant may trigger significant gastrointestinal distress including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Severe cases or improper usage may result in hepatotoxicity, which indicates potential damage to the liver. Some individuals may also experience neurological symptoms such as dizziness during or after consumption.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- Photosensitivity
- Skin irritation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Hepatotoxicity
- Dizziness
What herbs are paired with Psoralea corylifolia?
This plant Psoralea corylifolia is most commonly paired with herbs such as Rehmannia glutinosa, Angelica sinensis, and Ligusticum chuanxiong to treat skin disorders and blood deficiencies.
These combinations are frequently utilized in traditional formulas to enhance the skin-clearing and blood-tonifying properties of the seeds. When used for vitiligo, it is often blended with herbs that dispel wind and clear heat to improve topical absorption. Some practitioners also combine it with nourishing botanicals to balance its potent nature and prevent dryness.
These strategic pairings aim to address both the superficial symptoms and the internal imbalances associated with specific conditions.