# Bakuchi Taila > Bakuchi Taila is a classical Ayurvedic taila, a medicated oil. Psoralea corylifolia is listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) as the official source of the drug 'Bakuchi'. ## Key facts - **Pharmacopoeia status:** Psoralea corylifolia is listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) as the official source of the drug 'Bakuchi'. Also recognized in Chinese Pharmacopoeia, British Pharmacopoeia, and American Pharmacopoeia. Documented in Indian Pharmaceutical Codex and multiple traditional medicine systems (Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha). ## Names and identification | Language | Name | |----------|------| | English | [Bakuchi](/herb/bakuchi/) Taila | ## Key Ingredients - [Bakuchi](/herb/bakuchi/) (Psoralea corylifolia / Babchi) seeds - primary ingredient - [Psoralen](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#psoralen) - key active compound - [Isopsoralen](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isopsoralen) (Angelicin) - Bakuchiol - bioactive meroterpene - Corylin, Psoralidin, Bavachin, Bavachinin - [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) - [Sesame oil](/glossary/concepts-m-y/#tila-taila) ([Tila](/herb/tila/) taila) base ## Where is it described in the classical texts? Charaka Samhita (Chikitsa Sthana - Kushtha Chikitsa); Sushruta Samhita; Bhaishajya Ratnavali. [Bakuchi](/herb/bakuchi/) is classified under Kushtaghna (anti-dermatosis) drugs. Psoralea corylifolia is mentioned as an official drug in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India under the name '[Bakuchi](/herb/bakuchi/)'. ## How does it work? - Psoralen intercalates into DNA of melanocytes and, upon UV exposure, crosslinks DNA strands, stimulating melanocyte proliferation and melanin production (photochemotherapy mechanism - PUVA therapy basis) - Bakuchiol activates melanogenesis-related genes (TYR, TYRP1, DCT) in melanocytes independent of UV exposure, providing melanin-stimulating effects even without phototherapy - Flavonoids (corylin, psoralidin) provide anti-inflammatory and [immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) effects on depigmented skin, reducing autoimmune attack on melanocytes in vitiligo - Psoralen enhances UV sensitivity of depigmented patches, promoting selective repigmentation when combined with controlled UV-B exposure therapy ## Which traditional uses are supported by research? - Vitiligo (Shvitra/Leucoderma) repigmentation - validated by RCT (2019) showing 40% repigmentation improvement over 6 months; and by clinical study showing 80% improvement in 68% of patients with Ayurvedic formulation vs. oral PUVA - Psoriasis and chronic skin disorders (Kushtha) - supported by the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of psoralen and flavonoids confirmed in pharmacological studies - Alopecia and hair loss - supported by traditional use and by bakuchiol's proven ability to stimulate hair follicle melanocytes and promote pigmentation ## What do recent clinical trials show? - Gao SY, Zhao JC, Xia Q and others 2024. [Evaluation of the hepatotoxicity of Psoralea corylifolia L. based on a zebrafish model](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38449808/). *Frontiers in pharmacology*. PMID [38449808](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38449808/) · [doi:10.3389/fphar.2024.1308655](https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2024.1308655) Published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, the study identified bavachin, psoralidin, bavachinin, neobavaisoflavone, and bakuchiol as the main hepatotoxic constituents, with hepatotoxicity mechanism related to effects on liver lipid metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction. *2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. Classical formulations are researched largely in journals that PubMed does not index, so an absence here reflects the reach of the index rather than the state of the evidence.* ## Recent safety updates - CRITICAL SAFETY CONCERN - HEPATOTOXICITY: Prolonged internal use of Bakuchi is associated with severe cholestatic hepatitis. Analysis of 84 adverse reaction cases (1978-2016) found 48 cases (57.14%) involved liver injury. Bavachin, psoralidin, bavachinin, neobavaisoflavone, and bakuchiol are identified hepatotoxic compounds. Liver function monitoring is mandatory for internal use. - Phototoxic dermatitis risk: Psoralen increases UV sensitivity - patients must avoid excessive sun exposure after application. Contraindicated in liver dysfunction, pregnancy, and children. External use is safer than internal, but still requires practitioner supervision. Regular liver function tests recommended for any prolonged use. Not for self-medication. ## What is it made of? ### Mineral/Elemental Profile - **Primary component:** Mineral-derived preparation - **Note:** Composition varies by specific preparation method **Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS ## Dosage forms and preparation **Dosage Forms:** Taila (medicated oil for external use), Ointment (modern), Cream (modern) **Standard Dosage:** External application on affected skin areas, twice daily, as per AFI **Bioavailability:** Topical oil base provides excellent dermal penetration of psoralen and isopsoralen. Furanocoumarins intercalate with DNA in presence of UV light (phototherapy mechanism). Oil vehicle maintains psoralen at skin surface for sustained photosensitization. **Optimal Timing:** Apply in the evening or as directed in conjunction with controlled UV exposure (PUVA therapy protocol) **Shelf Life:** 3 years from date of manufacture as per ASU guidelines for Taila preparations **Storage:** Store in amber glass bottles in a cool, dark place. Protect from light (psoralen is photosensitive). Temperature not exceeding 25°C. **Marker Compounds:** Psoralen, Isopsoralen (Angelicin), Bakuchiol, Psoralidin, Corylifolin **Quality Parameters:** Acid value, peroxide value, saponification value, refractive index, specific gravity, psoralen content by HPLC (0.1-0.5%), isopsoralen content, total furanocoumarins, rancidity test negative, microbial limits, heavy metals, patch test safety data **Vehicle (Anupana):** Not applicable — external use only. Apply thin layer and allow absorption before clothing. ### Synergistic Combinations - [Khadira](/herb/khadira/) (Acacia catechu) decoction - [Gandhaka](/glossary/concepts-a-m/#gandhaka) [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) (internal) - Mahamanjisthadi Kwath - Bakuchi Churna (internal) --- Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/formulation/bakuchi-taila/ ## Sources - Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0) - Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases) - Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India - Classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu) Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice. Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.