Corylifolia Psoralea (Psoralea corylifolia)

Corylifolia Psoralea (Psoralea corylifolia) is a member of the Fabaceae family, native to Southern Asia, East Asia, and Southwest China. Traditionally, its seeds, leaves, and roots have been used for decoctions, powders, and infusions.

This herb is particularly valued for its tonic, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic actions, and has a long history of use in ayurvedic medicine, traditional chinese medicine, and korean traditional medicine.

Corylifolia Psoralea (Psoralea corylifolia) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Corylifolia Psoralea (Psoralea corylifolia) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Corylifolia Psoralea
Scientific Name	Psoralea corylifolia
Plant Family	Fabaceae
Genus	Psoralea
Species	corylifolia
Native Range	Southern Asia, East Asia, Southwest China
Plant Parts Used	Seeds, Leaves, Roots
Primary Medicinal Actions	Tonic, Anti-Inflammatory, Diuretic
Primary Traditional Systems	Ayurvedic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Korean Traditional Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Powder, Infusion

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Psoralea corylifolia
Common Name: Corylifolia Psoralea
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Babchi, Babool, Indian Acacia
Plant Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Psoralea

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 meters.
Leaves: Stipitate, pinnately compound leaves with dark green upper surface and lighter green lower surface, bearing prominent stomatal bands along the abaxial midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescence consisting of solitary, axillary flower clusters with actinomorphic flowers having five white petals and five yellow stamens, each with two anthers, and a superior ovary with two styles.
Stems: Woody, erect, simple branching, glabrous surface, opposite leaf arrangement, stipitate nodes.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Ayurvedic Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Powder
Infusion
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Tonic: As described in traditional systems, a moderate tonic, for broad-use formulations.
Anti-inflammatory: Commonly referenced as a mild anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.
Diuretic: Traditionally described as a soothing diuretic, in fluid-regulation contexts.
Carminative: In herbal texts, considered a warming carminative, in relation to gastrointestinal comfort.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Naturally occurring polyphenols that contribute to pigmentation and structural chemistry.
Coumarin: Plant-derived compounds often associated with fragrance-related chemistry.
Tannin: A group of compounds frequently present in plant tissues exposed to herbivory.
Phenolic Acid: A group of plant-derived compounds frequently identified in herbal material.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Caution is advised in certain contexts based on traditional use and available information.
Contraindications: Available information does not clearly establish contraindications for the use of this herb.
Allergies: Allergic reactions associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: Reports of toxicity related to this herb are not well documented in available literature.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Information addressing pregnancy and breastfeeding-related safety for this herb is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Water is poured over plant material and allowed to steep before straining.
Decoction: A preparation method involving prolonged boiling of roots, bark, or dense plant material.
Poultice: Plant parts are crushed or moistened and placed directly on the body.
Powder: Powdered preparations use finely milled plant parts.
Tincture: Alcohol is used as a solvent to extract plant constituents over time.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates variable moisture levels.