Psoralea Corylifolia (Kushtanashini) is used as a stimulant supplement; anti-carcinogen

Psoralea corylifolia (Kushtanashini, Babchi) (Pic 1) is an annual herb growing throughout the plains of India. Psoralea corylifolia is an important plant in the Indian Ayurveda and the most amazing aspect of this plant is that every part of it is useful (roots, stems, leaves, seeds, and blooms). According to Unani system of medicine, its seed is purgative, stomachic, anthelmintic, vulnerary, stimulant, aphrodisiac and cures blood related troubles [1]. The plant is also applied externally in treatment of skin related troubles, such as leukoderma, skin rashes, infections, and others [2].

Psoralea Corylifolia Seed Extract in Sport Supplements

The seed extract of Psoralea corylifolia can be found is some pre-workout supplements. The seeds of this plant contains a variety of coumarins including psoralen [2]. In vitro studies are showing that psoralen and isopsoralen have antitumor activity against BGC-823 cancer cells [3]. Animal studies using Psoralea corylifolia seed extract are reporting improved immune system and inhibition of tumor growth [4]. Possible diuretic and stimulant effects [2] of Psoralea corylifolia seed extract is what makes it appealing nutrient for sport enhancing supplements. Although no studies are to be found to justify its use as stimulant or diuretic.

Pic 1: Psoralea corylifolia plant

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Other Possible Psoralea Corylifolia Benefits

In traditional Ayurvedic medicine Psoralea corylifolia is used for the treatment of male sexual dysfunction. Studies in animal models are showing significant aphrodisiac activity when compared to control groups [5]. Seed extract of Psoralea corylifolia have been shown to play a protective role in hepatic mitochondrial dysfunction (important factor that contributes to aging) in vitro [6]. Results of this study [6] showed recovered oxygen consumption rate and inhibited reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential which suggested improved mitochondrial function. Another in vitro study [7] showed inhibition of mitochondrial complex I, which may cause increased susceptibility to oxidative stress. Due to psoralen content, Psoralea corylifolia is also used internally and externally for psoriasis and vitiligo in psoralens-UVA treatment (PUVA) [8]. Psoralidin isolated from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia has been shown to have antidepressant-like effects [9]. A 3-day treatment with psoralidin significantly increased 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels in various brain regions in mice, as well as, changed dopamine levels [9].

Psoralea Corylifolia Side Effects and Toxicity

The drugs in their prescribed doses may be considered safe [2]. One animal study has shown that high dosage and long-term administration of Psoralea corylifolia could potentially be associated with reproductive toxicity in female pregnant rats [10]. Therefore, Psoralea corylifolia preparations may not be safe for pregnant women.

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References

1. Bemchi or Bawchi (Psorolea corylifolia Linn.) Retrieved from http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ at 20. Avgust 2013
2. Khushboo, P. S., et al. “Psoralea corylifolia Linn.—“Kushtanashini”.” Pharmacognosy reviews 4.7 (2010): 69.
3. Jiangning, Guo, et al. “Studies on Extraction and Isolation of Active Constituents from Psoralen corylifolia L. and the Antitumor Effect of the Constituents in Vitro [J].” Journal of Chinese Medicinal Materials 3 (2003): 014.
4. Rajpal V. Vol. 2. New Delhi: Eastern Publishers; 2005. Standardization of Botanicals; pp. 284–95.
5. Tayade, Prashant M., et al. “Effect of Psoralea corylifolia Linn in sexual erectile dysfunction in diabetic rats.” Oriental Pharmacy and Experimental Medicine (2013): 1-6.
6. Seo, Eunhui, et al. “Protective Role of Psoralea corylifolia L. Seed Extract against Hepatic Mitochondrial Dysfunction Induced by Oxidative Stress or Aging.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2013 (2013).
7. Tang, Soon Yew, et al. “Psoralea corylifolia L. Inhibits Mitochondrial Complex I and Proteasome Activities in SH‐SY5Y Cells.” Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 1100.1 (2007): 486-496.
8. Bianchi, Nicoletta, et al. “Fetal hemoglobin inducers from the natural world: a novel approach for identification of drugs for the treatment of β-thalassemia and sickle-cell anemia.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 6.2 (2009): 141-151.
9. Yi, Li-Tao, et al. “Antidepressant-like effects of psoralidin isolated from the seeds of< i> Psoralea Corylifolia in the forced swimming test in mice.” Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry 32.2 (2008): 510-519.
10. Xu, Min, et al. “Embryotoxicity of Psoralea corylifolia L.: In Vivo and In Vitro Studies.” Birth Defects Research Part B: Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology 95.6 (2012): 386-394.