Psoralea Corylifolia Extract
Also known as: Babchi, Bakuchi, Psoraleae Fructus, P. corylifolia, Psoralea corylifolia
Overview
Psoralea corylifolia, commonly known as Babchi or Bakuchi, is an annual herb from the Fabaceae family, deeply rooted in traditional Asian medicine, particularly in Chinese and Indian systems. The mature fruit, Psoraleae Fructus, is the primary medicinal component. This botanical extract is rich in over 300 identified metabolites, including coumarins (like psoralen and isopsoralen), flavonoids, meroterpenes, and benzofurans. Traditionally, it has been used for conditions such as osteoporosis, vitiligo, various dermatoses, and as a potential treatment for tumors and neuroprotection. Emerging research also suggests anti-inflammatory, estrogen-like, antioxidant, and antidepressant properties. While numerous in vitro and animal studies exist, high-quality human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are limited, and safety concerns, especially regarding hepatotoxicity, are actively being investigated.
Benefits
Psoralea corylifolia offers several potential benefits, though many require further human clinical validation. It shows promise in anti-osteoporosis, with processed extracts enhancing osteoblastic activity and bone health in animal studies, aligning with traditional use. For dermatological conditions, particularly vitiligo, compounds like psoralen are photoactive and utilized in photochemotherapy. Preclinical research indicates antidepressant effects, with compounds such as coryfolin and psoralidin increasing hippocampal 5-HT and reducing depressive behaviors in animal models. Certain constituents, including psoralen and psoralidin, exhibit anticancer activity in vitro and in animal models. Additionally, an extract of P. corylifolia improved liver function and reduced oxidative stress in juvenile mouse models of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) by inhibiting the PKC-α/NADPH oxidase pathway. However, the effect sizes and clinical significance of these benefits in humans are yet to be established through rigorous RCTs.
How it works
Psoralea corylifolia exerts its effects through a multifaceted mechanism involving immune modulation, inhibition of oxidative stress, induction of apoptosis, and hormone-like activities, including estrogenic effects. Key molecular targets include NADPH oxidase, which is involved in oxidative stress, and monoamine oxidase, relevant to depression. Signaling pathways such as PKC-α are also implicated. Bioactive compounds like psoralen are photoactive, which is crucial for its application in phototherapy for skin conditions. The absorption and bioavailability of its compounds can vary significantly depending on the specific compound and the processing method of the extract, with methods like salt roasting altering metabolite profiles and potentially enhancing certain bioactivities.
Side effects
The overall safety of Psoralea corylifolia is a significant concern due to reported hepatotoxicity, particularly with raw or excessively dosed products. Common side effects include photosensitivity reactions, which necessitate caution with sun exposure, and mild gastrointestinal upset. More serious, though uncommon, is liver injury, which is typically reversible upon discontinuation of the product, with a reported 96.7% recovery rate. Rare instances of potential nephrotoxicity and reproductive toxicity have been observed in animal studies, though these are rarely reported in humans. It is crucial to exercise caution regarding drug interactions, especially with other photosensitizing drugs and hepatotoxic agents. Contraindications include pre-existing liver disease, pregnancy, and conditions that increase photosensitivity. Processing methods, such as alcohol soaking or salt roasting, are known to reduce toxicity and improve the safety profile of the extract.
Dosage
Traditional dosing of Psoralea corylifolia fruit extract typically ranges from 2.4 to 4.8 grams per day, with some clinical contexts reporting cumulative doses up to approximately 700 grams. However, optimal dosing is not yet well-established due to the limited availability of high-quality randomized controlled trial data. The timing of administration and the form of the extract (raw versus processed) significantly influence both efficacy and safety, with processed forms generally preferred due to reduced toxicity. There are no standardized cofactor requirements identified to enhance its effects or safety, although antioxidant cofactors might theoretically offer supportive benefits. Users should adhere to recommended dosages and prioritize processed forms to mitigate potential risks.
FAQs
Is Psoralea corylifolia safe to use?
It is generally safe when processed and dosed properly. Raw or excessive intake carries a risk of liver injury, so adherence to guidelines and processed forms is crucial.
How quickly can I expect to see benefits from Psoralea corylifolia?
Animal studies suggest effects within weeks, but human data on the onset of benefits are currently limited and require further clinical investigation.
Can Psoralea corylifolia be used for depression?
Preclinical evidence shows promising antidepressant effects, but clinical confirmation in humans is still needed before it can be recommended for this purpose.
Does Psoralea corylifolia cause photosensitivity?
Yes, especially preparations containing psoralen can cause photosensitivity. Caution with sun exposure is advised when using this supplement.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1521040/full – This review summarizes the ethnobotany, pharmacology, and hepatotoxicity of Psoralea corylifolia. It highlights its anti-osteoporosis, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects, while noting the need for more mechanistic studies. The review acknowledges that much of the evidence is preclinical and lacks meta-analyses of RCTs.
- http://www.cjnmcpu.com/cn/article/pdf/preview/10.1016/S1875-5364(22)60234-6.pdf – This systematic review focuses on the safety profile of Psoralea corylifolia, drawing from clinical cases and animal studies. It identifies hepatotoxicity risk primarily linked to overdose or the use of raw products, reporting a 96.7% recovery rate after withdrawal. The review emphasizes that proper processing significantly reduces toxicity.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5715270/ – This study, conducted on juvenile mouse models of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), demonstrated that Psoralea corylifolia extract improved liver function and reduced oxidative stress. The mechanism involved inhibition of the PKC-α/NADPH oxidase pathway. However, it's an animal model, and human data are still needed.
- https://www.xiahepublishing.com/2835-6357/FIM-2022-00051 – This integrative review, based on animal models, explores the antidepressant effects of Psoralea corylifolia. It suggests that these effects are mediated by an increase in hippocampal 5-HT and regulation of monoamine oxidase, along with anti-stress properties. The findings are preclinical and require clinical validation.