Botanical Overview
Psoralea corylifolia, belonging to the Fabaceae family, is commonly known as Babchi or Bakuchi. The primary medicinal part used is the seed. This plant is native to regions of India, Sri Lanka, China, and Southeast Asia.
Energetics
Psoralea corylifolia is considered warming and drying in temperature and moisture. It has a bitter, pungent, and acrid taste with an ascending directionality. It is tonifying in nature and primarily affects the qi.
Primary Actions
- Antimicrobial
- Photosensitizer
- Immunomodulator
- Skin tonic
- Antioxidant
Indications
Western
- Skin infections
- Psoriasis
- Vitiligo
- Eczema
- Fungal infections
Syndromes
- Dermatitis
- Leukoderma (vitiligo)
- Chronic skin conditions
TCM
- Skin depigmentation
- Itching
- Cold limbs
Syndromes
- Kidney yang deficiency
- Blood deficiency
Ayurveda
- Skin diseases
- Leucoderma
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
Syndromes
- Vata kapha imbalance
- Rakta dushti (blood impurity)
Unani
- Inflammatory skin conditions
- Leucoderma
- Psoriasis
Syndromes
- Barid safa (coldness of blood)
- Zaaf dam (blood weakness)
Constituents & Mechanisms
The seeds contain several key phytochemicals, including psoralen (a photosensitizing coumarin), bakuchiol (a phenolic compound with antimicrobial activity), corylifolinin, flavonoids, and volatile oils. These contribute to its antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Powdered seed: 1-3 g, 1-2 times daily
- Topical paste: 5-10% concentration
- Tincture (1:5, 40% alcohol): 2-4 mL, 1-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
The presence of psoralens increases susceptibility to phototoxic reactions; avoid excessive UV exposure when using topically. Caution is advised during pregnancy and lactation. Contraindicated in individuals with photosensitivity disorders and hepatic impairment. Potential interactions exist with photosensitizing drugs, anticoagulants, and immunosuppressants.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliable, verifiable data found regarding planetary or elemental rulers for Psoralea corylifolia.
Selected References
- Psoralea corylifolia L. – Plant Resources of South-East Asia (van Valkenburg JLCH, 1998)
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants (1999)
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (Government of India, 2001)
- Pharmacological review on Psoralea corylifolia Linn. (Kumar A et al., 2017)