Psoralea
Psoralea - also known as Psoralea corylifolia, Cullen corylifolium, Psoralia fruit, Bakuchi (Ayurvedic), Babchi, Bu gu zhi (Pinyin), Malaytea scurfpea, Malaysian Scurfpea, Malay Tea, scurfy pea, Bhavanj, bukchi, babchi, babachi, bavanchiyan, bavchiyan, bavanchi, Latakasturi, hakuch, bavachi (Hindi) Bakuchi (Bengal), Bawachi, Bauchee, Bawchan, Bavachya, bavachi, Karpo-karishi, karpuva-arishi (Tamil), Kala ginja, bhavanji, korjashtam, karu-bogi, kalu-gechcha, Sugandha kantak, avalguja, Vakuchi, Vakoochie, Soma Raja (Sanskrit) [1]Cot Chu, Ku Tzu Malaysia, P'o Ku Chih, Pha Cot Chi [2]
Psoralea is a genus of plants in the legume family. Many of the species are poisonous [3] however Psoralea corylifolia, a herbaceous plant, has a long history of use as a therapeutic plant in Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as Ayurveda and Tamil herbal medicinal systems. [4] The bitter-tasting seeds are used in treating a variety of conditions including skin complaints such as eczema and vitiligo, bone disorders such as osteoporosis, infections and incontinence. [5]
Psoralea corylifolia fruits including both seed and seed-pod are believed to be aphrodisiac and are thought to stimulate sexual desire, as well as have a tonic effect on the genital organs. [5]
Psoralea - History
Psoralea corylifolia has been in use in Ayurvedic, Chinese and other asian medicinal systems since ancient times. It has also been known to the west for a long time and is mentioned by Linnaeus (1707 – 1778) in Species Plantarum.
Is Psoralea an Aphrodisiac?
It's clear that the reputation of P. corylifolia as an aphrodisiac comes from old Chinese and Ayurvedic sources - and this is reported by 19th century writers: Sir George Watt, Edgar Thurston and T. N. Mukharji's voluminous 1892 Dictionary of the Economic Products of India has a detailed entry for Psoralea corylifolia - which states "The Seeds are described by certain authors as hot and dry, by others as cold and dry, laxative, stimulant, and aphrodisiac." [1]
Some 160 studies appear on Pubmed for Psoralea corylifolia. None of these directly investigates the aphrodisiac claims - however a 2010 study from China noted estrogenic activity from compounds isolated from P. coryfolia.[6] A 2004 study which may be cause for concern, performed at the National Institute of Health Sciences in Japan, found that an extract of Psoralea corylifolia induced a reduction of serum testosterone, and Leydig cell atrophy, in rats; this is curious as it would appear to be the opposite of aphrodisiac claims. [7]
Summary
Psoralea has shown some additional effects of interest to pharmacology. A 2008 paper reports "antidepressant-like" effects [8] while another study found that an extract of seeds of Psoralea corylifolia strongly inhibited dopamine and noradrenaline uptake. [9]
Fructus Psoraleae (Psoralea Fruit) has a long history of use in traditional medicine. However, it is worth noting that a recent (2009) study has stated that Psoralea Fruit may contain hepatotoxins and cause liver injury. [10] Curiously, a 2005 study found that (S)-bakuchiol from Psoralea corylifolia had a hepatoprotectant effect. [11] It would seem that P. corylifolia is something of a complex case, with several active constituents. Other sources state that no known incidents of human toxicity from taking psoralea. [12]
Once again - more research is needed. Given that scientific studies have found hormonal activity and much else of medicinal interest in Psoralea corylifolia, it does seem possible that Psoralea may have some aphrodisiac effect - however, it would not appear to be one of the 'front rank" of potential aphrodisiacs; and there are some recent concerns over possible toxicity. Please note - this is not medical advice.
Psoralea is listed in the AHPA's "Herbs of Commerce", p. 263. [13]
Sources:
[1] http://books.google.com/books?id=iZvXAAAAMAAJ (p.353-4)
[2] http://www.motherherbs.com/psoralea-corylifolia.html
[3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psoralea
[4] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psoralea_corylifolia
[5] http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_psoralea.htm
[6] http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Phytoestrogens+from+Psoralea+corylifolia+reveal+estrogen...-a0221094258
[7] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14630124
[8] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18520040
[9] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17555897
[10]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19640237
[11] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15971120
[12] http://www.nutritionalwellness.com/nutrition/herbs/p/psoralea.php
[13] "Herbs of Commerce" (AHPA) (2000 edition) - Michael McGuffin, John T. Kartesz, Albert Y Leung, Arthur O. Tucker (p.263)
Note - the information on this website is not medical advice, is not a substitute for medical consultation, has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure any disease. Please seek advice from a medical professional if you have symptoms, are concerned about your health, or before using supplements or aphrodisiac products.
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