Review of the chemical constituents and bioactivities of Psoralea corylifolia Linn

In this review, researchers from the University of Macau systematically summarized studies on the chemical constituents and biological activities of Psoralea corylifolia Linn. Their paper was published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine.

• P. corylifolia, also known by its common name babchi, is an important medicinal plant that has been used for thousands of years.
• It is widely used in many traditional Chinese medicine formulas for the treatment of various diseases, such as leucoderma and other skin diseases, cardiovascular disease, nephritis, osteoporosis, and cancer.
• Studies on the phytochemical components of P. corylifolia have found that coumarins, flavonoids, and meroterpenes are its main active components. Most of these components are present in its seeds or fruits.
• The extracts and active components of P. corylifolia demonstrate multiple biological activities, including estrogenic, antitumor, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, osteoblastic, and hepatoprotective activities.

The researchers believe that their review provides useful information that could help future research on the potency and clinical applications of this medicinal plant.

Journal Reference:

Zhang X, Zhao W, Wang Y, Lu J, Chen X. THE CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS AND BIOACTIVITIES OF PSORALEA CORYLIFOLIA LINN.: A REVIEW. The American Journal of Chinese Medicine. 2016;44(01):35–60. DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x16500038