Bakuchi (Psoralea corylifolia Linn.)

1. Synonyms (पर्यायवाची नाम)

• Sanskrit: Bakuchi, Somaraji, Kushtanashini, Chandrika, Tvakdoshanashini
• English: Babchi seeds, Psoralea seeds
• Latin: Psoralea corylifolia Linn.
• Unani: Babchi
• Common: Bavanchi

2. Regional Names (क्षेत्रीय नाम)

• Hindi: Babchi / Bavanchi
• Gujarati: Bavchi
• Marathi: Babchi
• Tamil: Karboga-arisi
• Telugu: Bavanchalu
• Kannada: Bavanchi
• Bengali: Babchi
• Malayalam: Karpokarishi

3. Botanical Description (वानस्पतिक विवेचन)

• Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
• Type: Herbaceous plant, height 0.6–1.2 m
• Stem & Branches: Grooved, studded with glands and white hairs
• Leaves: Simple, 3.8 × 2.5–5 cm, broadly elliptic, white hairy, with black dots
• Flowers: Dense axillary racemes (10–30 flowers), corolla yellow or bluish-purple
• Fruits: Small pods containing seeds
• Seeds: Sticky oily pericarp, hard seed coat, bitter and acrid taste; odourless but pungent when chewed
• Flowering & Fruiting: Flowers during rainy season, seeds mature by November

4. Chemical Constituents (रासायनिक घटक)

Bakuchi is rich in furocoumarins, flavonoids, and essential oils. Major constituents include:

• Seeds: Bakuchiol, Bavachin, Isobavachin, Bavachalcone, Isobavachalcone, Neobavaisoflavone, Bavachromene, Corylidin, Stigmasterol, β-sitosterol-D-glucoside
• Seed Oil: Psoralene, Isopsoralen (Angelicin), Limonene, α-elemene, β-caryophyllene, Linalool, Geranyl acetate, 4-terpineol
• Fruits: Corylin, Corylinal, Psoralenol, Bavachromanol
• Roots: Daidzein, Trilaurin, Coumesterol, Sitosterol, Psoralen, Isopsoralen

5. Properties & Therapeutic Uses (गुण एवं औषधीय उपयोग)

Ayurvedic Properties:

• Rasa (Taste): Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter)
• Guna (Qualities): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)
• Veerya (Potency): Ushna (hot)
• Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Katu (pungent)
• Karma (Actions): Kushtaghna (anti-skin disorder), Krimighna (anthelmintic), Varnya (improves complexion), Deepana (appetizer), Vrana ropana (wound-healing)

Therapeutic Uses:

• Skin Disorders: Leucoderma (vitiligo), psoriasis, eczema, scabies, leprosy, ringworm, pruritus
• Digestive Disorders: Intestinal amoebiasis, loss of appetite, worm infestations
• Other Benefits: Laxative, diuretic, diaphoretic, improves complexion, strengthens uterus, stimulates intestinal muscles

Mode of Action in Leucoderma (Vitiligo):

• Psoralen & isopsoralen dilate sub-capillary arterioles → increase plasma supply → stimulate melanoblasts → pigment formation → gradual repigmentation of white patches.
• 6. Dose (मात्रा)
• Powder (Churna): 2–3 g daily with water, decoction, or honey
• Paste (Lepa): External application on affected skin with cow’s urine, water, or in combination with other herbs (like Haratala, Khadira, Amalaki, or Tila)
• Oil/Ointment: Oleoresinous extract mixed with Chaulmogra oil or Lanolin applied once or twice daily
• Caution: Overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, malaise, purging, skin irritation, or blistering. Should be used under medical supervision.
• ✅ Summary:
  Bakuchi (Psoralea corylifolia Linn.) is a highly valued Ayurvedic herb, especially for skin disorders like leucoderma, psoriasis, and leprosy. Its seeds and oil contain potent furocoumarins (psoralen, isopsoralen) which stimulate melanin production and restore skin pigmentation. Apart from dermatological uses, it also works as a mild stimulant, anthelmintic, and digestive aid.
• Ref: Bhavaprakash Nighantu