Bakuchi – Psoralia corylifolia

An Overview, Dermatological Uses, Side effects and Risk factors

Family: Leguminosae
Latin name: Psoralia corylifolia
English name: Psoralea
Hindi name: Bakuchi, Bavachi
Taste: Pungent, Bitter
Nature: Hot
Parts used: Seeds, Seed Oil

Description:
It is a perennial plant that grows up to 2 M. It grows in an arid climate.

Phytochemical constituents:
Essential oil, Fatty oil, PsoralenIsopsoralen, Corylifolin, Sitosterol, Calcium, Potassium, Coumarins, and many more.

Mode of action: Kapha Vata shamak
Primary​​

  • Antileprotic

Secondary

  • Aphrodisiac
  • Tonic

Tertiary

  • Anthelmintic, Antimicrobial, Antifungal, Antibacterial
  • Antiinflammatory
  • Cytotoxic, Anticancer, Antitumour
  • Diaphoretic, Stimulant
  • Deobstruent
  • Anticonvulsant
  • Laxative
  • Antidiabetic
  • Analgesic, Antipyretic

Therapeutic Benefits: 
Primary

  • Leprosy
  • Leucoderma
  • Psoriasis
  • Alopecia areata

Tertiary

  • Acne
  • Gray Hair
  • Piles, Anemia
  • Scorpion Sting, Snake Bite
  • Candidiasis, Ringworm
  • Diabetes
  • Chemotherapy
  • Scabies

Side effects and Risk factors:
Short term side-effects are: Erythema, Tanning (lasts for 8-12 weeks after stopping the treatment), Nausea, Pruritis.
Long term side-effects are:

  1. SKIN CANCER (after several hundred treatments). Any new lump, bump or mole on the skin should be brought to the attention of the physician
  2. It can cause Cataracts. The protective glasses must be worn on the day of treatment.
  3. Exposure to sunlight causes Freckles. If your skin disorder does not involve the face, apply a sunscreen to this area.
  4. UNSAFE in Pregnancy.

Contraindications:

  1. Renal or Hepatic disease
  2. Photosensitive skin diseases
  3. Cataract
  4. Glaucoma
  5. Skin Cancer
  6. Infants
  7. Pregnant and Lactating women

– Dr Malika Ahuja

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