Bakuchi

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 (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?

These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.

• Vitiligo (Shvitra/Kilasa): traditionally used for vitiligo. Clinical case studies have reported on PUVA therapy using psoralen as a photosensitizer.
• Psoriasis (Ekakushtha): traditionally used for psoriasis. Psoralen-UVA combination therapy is used in dermatology and is described as derived from traditional Bakuchi use.
• Anti-aging and photoprotection: double-blind clinical trials have reported bakuchiol as comparable to retinol for wrinkle reduction, pigmentation, and skin firmness.
• Wound healing: traditionally applied topically to wounds. Preclinical studies have reported enhanced collagen synthesis and anti-inflammatory activity.

What do recent studies show?

• Dhaliwal S, Rybak I, Ellis SR and others 2019. Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing. The British journal of dermatology. PMID 29947134 · doi: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. International journal of cosmetic science. PMID 35514037 · doi:10.1111/ics.12784
  Bakuchiol demonstrated holistic anti-aging treatment through stimulation of collagen I, III and IV synthesis, MMP-1 suppression, antioxidant activity, and modulation of multiple skin aging pathways simultaneously.

Only studies that could be traced to a published paper are listed here. 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

Dosage forms and preparation

Dosage Forms: Churna (seed powder), Taila (seed oil, topical), Capsule, Tablet, Lepa (seed paste, topical), Bakuchi Taila (traditionally used 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.

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.

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

Synergistic Combinations

• With Khadir (Acacia catechu), traditionally combined for leucoderma/vitiligo
• With Haridra for skin depigmentation disorders
• With Manjistha for comprehensive skin health
• With Nimba traditionally combined for psoriasis
• Topical Bakuchi oil + controlled sun exposure (photochemotherapy principle)