Author(s): Shadab and Shariq Shamsi

Abstract: Psoralea corylifolia L. found in tropical and subtropical region of the world is one of the medicinal herbs used in Unani System of Medicine (USM) in the treatment of many diseases. The seeds have been specially recommended in the treatment for Leucoderma, leprosy, psoriasis and inflammatory diseases of the skin. A wide range of chemical compounds including psoralen, isopsoralen, bakuchiol, psoralidin, Bakuchalcone, Bavachinin, flavones, volatile oils, lipids etc. are found in different parts of the plant. The plant possesses antibacterial, antifungal, antitumour, immunomodulatory, antidepressant and antifilarial activity. This review attempts to highlight the available literature on P. corylifolia (seeds) with respect to its Ethnobotany, Pharmacognostic characteristics, traditional uses, chemical constituents, and summary of its various pharmacologic activities. This will be helpful to create interest toward babchi and may be useful in developing new formulations with more therapeutic and economical value.