fructus psoraleae

Fructus psoraleae is the dried ripe fruit of Psoralea corylifolia L., a plant widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and other Asian medical systems. It is known as "Bu Gu Zhi" in Chinese. Traditionally, it is used to tonify the kidney, strengthen bones, enhance sexual function, treat vitiligo and skin diseases, alleviate diarrhea and asthma symptoms, and address conditions such as lumbago and uterine hemorrhage[1][3][5][6]. Modern pharmacological studies have identified several bioactive compounds within fructus psoraleae—most notably coumarins such as psoralen and isopsoralen—which contribute to its antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects as well as osteoblastic (bone-strengthening) activity[1][6]. Other key constituents include bavachin, psoralidin, bavachinin, neobavaisoflavone, bakuchiol (a meroterpene), among others[4]. The mechanism of action involves modulation of oxidative stress pathways; some components can induce apoptosis in cancer cells or promote melanogenesis for skin disorders like vitiligo[7]. However, certain ingredients—especially bakuchiol and psoralidin—are associated with hepatotoxicity via mitochondrial damage caused by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS)[4].

Other names

Psoraleae FructusBu Gu ZhiPsoralea corylifolia fruitPF