Bu Gu Zhi

Psoralea corylifolia

Physical Characteristics

Psoralea corylifolia is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Asia, from Iran to China, Africa and the Middle East.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Seed[177]. No further details are given.

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Antibacterial Aphrodisiac Astringent Cardiac Cytotoxic Deobstruent Diaphoretic Diuretic Infertility Kidney Leprosy Odontalgic Skin Stimulant Stomachic Tonic Bu Gu Zhi is valued in Chinese herbal medicine as a tonic remedy and is used to improve general vitality[254]. Modern research has shown that it is also of value in the treatment of skin disorders, including vitiligo. Some caution should be employed when applying the herb externally, however, since it can sensitise the skin and cause an allergic reaction to sunlight[254]. The one-seeded fruits (or the seed plus the seedpod) are highly regarded as an aphrodisiac and tonic to the genital organs[218]. The seed is anthelmintic, antibacterial, aphrodisiac, astringent, cardiac, cytotoxic, deobstruent, diaphoretic, diuretic, stimulant, stomachic and tonic[4, 147, 176, 178, 218, 240]. It is used in the treatment of febrile diseases, premature ejaculation, impotence, lower back pains, frequent urination, incontinence, bed wetting etc[240, 254]. It is also used externally to treat various skin ailments including leprosy, leucoderma and hair loss[218, 240]. The seed and fruit contain psoralen. This causes the skin to produce new pigment when exposed to sunlight and is used for treating vitiligo and psoriasis[176]. The antibacterial action of the fruit inhibits the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculos[176]. The fruit is gathered when ripe in the autumn and can be dried for later use[254]. The root is used for treating dental caries[218]. The plant yields a useful medicinal oleoresin, it treats kidney disorders, impotence, premature ejaculation, lumbago etc[4, 147, 176, 178].

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention of toxicity for this species has been found, at least some members of this genus contain furanocoumarins, these substances can cause photosensitivity in some people[65].