# Bakuchi > Bakuchi (Psoralea corylifolia L. (syn. Cullen corylifolium)) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Psoralea corylifolia is listed in the WHO monograph on selected medicinal plants (Volume 4). ## Key facts - **Botanical name:** Psoralea corylifolia L. (syn. Cullen corylifolium) - **Pharmacopoeia status:** Psoralea corylifolia is listed in the WHO monograph on selected medicinal plants (Volume 4). Psoralen and isopsoralen are recognized pharmacopeial compounds. WHO acknowledges traditional use for vitiligo and psoriasis but recommends medical supervision due to photosensitivity risks. ## Names and identification | Language | Name | |----------|------| | English | Bakuchi | | Latin/Botanical | *Psoralea corylifolia L. (syn. Cullen corylifolium)* | ## Key Phytochemical Constituents - Psoralen (furanocoumarin - primary photosensitizing agent) - Bakuchiol (meroterpene phenol - retinol-like anti-aging compound) - Isopsoralen (angelicin) - Psoralidin (prenylated flavonoid) - Bavachinin (flavanone) - Bakuchalcone (chalcone) - Corylifolin - [Bergapten](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#bergapten) (5-methoxypsoralen) ## How does it work? - Psoralen-mediated PUVA photochemotherapy: Psoralen intercalates with DNA in melanocytes, and upon UVA exposure, forms crosslinks that stimulate melanogenesis for vitiligo repigmentation - Bakuchiol retinoid-like signaling: Activates retinoid signaling pathways (stimulates type I, III, and IV collagen synthesis and inhibits MMP-1 expression) without binding retinoid receptors directly - Tyrosinase activation pathway: Furanocoumarins stimulate tyrosinase enzyme activity in melanocytes, increasing melanin biosynthesis through enhanced DOPA oxidation - Anti-inflammatory NF-kB suppression: Psoralidin and bavachinin inhibit NF-kB activation and downstream inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-alpha, IL-6), reducing psoriatic inflammation ## Which traditional uses are supported by research? - Vitiligo (Shvitra/Kilasa) treatment: Validated through multiple clinical case studies and PUVA therapy protocols using psoralen as the gold-standard photosensitizer - Psoriasis (Ekakushtha) management: Psoralen-UVA combination therapy is an established dermatological treatment, directly derived from traditional Bakuchi use - Anti-aging and photoprotection: Bakuchiol validated in double-blind RCTs as comparable to retinol for wrinkle reduction, pigmentation, and skin firmness improvement - Wound healing: Traditional topical application validated by preclinical studies showing enhanced collagen synthesis and anti-inflammatory effects ## What do recent clinical trials show? - Dhaliwal S, Rybak I, Ellis SR and others 2019. [Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/). *The British journal of dermatology*. PMID [29947134](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/) · [doi:10.1111/bjd.16918](https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.16918) Bakuchiol is comparable with retinol in its ability to improve photoageing including wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, firmness, and overall photodamage, with significantly better tolerability and fewer side effects than retinol. - Bluemke A, Ring AP, Immeyer J and others 2022. [Multidirectional activity of bakuchiol against cellular mechanisms of facial ageing - Experimental evidence for a holistic treatment approach](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35514037/). *International journal of cosmetic science*. PMID [35514037](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35514037/) · [doi:10.1111/ics.12784](https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12784) Bakuchiol demonstrated holistic anti-aging treatment through stimulation of collagen I, III and IV synthesis, MMP-1 suppression, [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) activity, and modulation of multiple skin aging pathways simultaneously. *2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.* ## Recent safety updates - Severe phototoxic reactions (blistering, erythema) reported with uncontrolled use of Psoralea corylifolia seeds, especially as home remedies for vitiligo (PubMed 2024: case report of phototoxicity in a child) - Hepatotoxicity concerns: Psoralea corylifolia has been linked to rare cases of liver injury; several countries have issued advisories on oral supplement use. Topical bakuchiol has a significantly better safety profile than oral psoralen preparations - Bakuchiol topical formulations show excellent tolerability with no significant irritation, peeling, or dryness compared to retinol, making it suitable for sensitive skin and pregnancy (unlike retinol) ## What is it made of? ### Key Active Markers - Bergapten - Psoralen - Bakuchiol - Isopsoralen - Psoralidin - Bavachinin - Bakuchalcone - Corylifolin - **Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification) ## Dosage forms and preparation **Dosage Forms:** Churna (seed powder), Taila (seed oil — topical), Capsule, Tablet, Lepa (seed paste — topical), [Bakuchi Taila](/formulation/bakuchi-taila/) (for vitiligo), Ointment/cream **Standard Dosage:** 500mg-2g seed powder twice daily (internal); Bakuchi oil applied topically to affected areas; 250-500mg extract capsule. CAUTION: phototoxic — photosensitivity management required. **Bioavailability:** Good oral bioavailability for psoralen (~60-70% absorbed) and isopsoralen/angelicin. Psoralen reaches peak plasma levels in 1-2 hours. Bakuchiol has excellent oral bioavailability (~70%) and is also well absorbed transdermally. Psoralen undergoes hepatic metabolism via CYP [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes) and has a half-life of ~2 hours. Topical psoralen + UVA (PUVA) therapy principle: psoralen intercalates into DNA, UVA activates it — this is the basis of photochemotherapy for vitiligo and psoriasis. **Optimal Timing:** Internal: after meals to reduce GI irritation. Topical: apply oil to affected area 30-60 minutes before controlled sun exposure (morning sun, 10-15 minutes). Avoid application before prolonged sun exposure. **Standardized Extract:** Seed extract standardized to minimum 2% psoralen + isopsoralen. Bakuchiol-enriched extract (psoralen-free): minimum 90% bakuchiol for cosmetic applications. Seed oil with minimum 5% total furanocoumarins for PUVA therapy applications. **Shelf Life:** 2 years (seed powder); 3 years (capsules/tablets); 2 years (seed oil, topical); 2 years (cream/ointment) **Storage:** Seeds and seed products in airtight, light-protected containers (furanocoumarins are photoreactive). Cool and dry, below 25°C. Amber packaging mandatory for oil and topical products. **Marker Compounds:** Psoralen, Isopsoralen (angelicin), Bakuchiol, Psoralidin, Corylifolin, Bavachin, Bavachinin, Isobavachalcone, Neobavaisoflavone ### Extraction Methods - Hydroalcoholic extraction (70:30) for psoralen/bakuchiol enrichment - Cold pressing for seed oil (yield 8-12%) - Supercritical CO2 for bakuchiol isolation - Petroleum ether extraction for oil fraction - Ethanol extraction for furanocoumarin enrichment ### Synergistic Combinations - With Khadir (Acacia catechu) for leucoderma/vitiligo management - With [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) for skin depigmentation disorders - With [Manjistha](/herb/manjistha/) for comprehensive skin health - With [Nimba](/herb/nimba/) for anti-psoriatic action - Topical Bakuchi oil + controlled sun exposure (photochemotherapy principle) --- Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/bakuchi/ ## Sources - Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0) - Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases) - Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India 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.