INTRODUCTION:

Psoralea corylifolia (Babchi) is a plant used in Indian and Chinese traditional medicine. The seeds of this plant
contain a variety of coumarins, including psoralen.

Classification:

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Angiospermae
Class: Dicotyledoneae
Order: Rosales
Family: Leguminosae
Subfamily: Papilionaceae
Genus: Psoralea
Species: corylifolia Linn.
Regional Names:
Tel: Bavanchalu, Bavanchi-vittulu, Bogi-vittulu, Karu-bogi, Kala-ginja
Tam: Karpokarishi, Karpuva-arishi, Karpuvanshi, Kaarboka-arisi, Karpogalarisi

Morphological Description:

Psoralea corylifolia grows 50–90 cm tall and is an annual plant. It has pale-purple flowers in short, condensed,
axillary spikes. Its corolla is pale purple. Flowers one-seeded fruits. The most distinctive feature is the occurrence of
minute brown glands which are immersed in surface tissue on all parts of the plant, giving it a distinctive and pleasant
fragrance. Seeds are brownish black in color, oblong, and flattened. Das, described the seeds as kidney shaped, 2–4
mm long, 2–3 mm broad, and 1–1.5 mm thick, hard, smooth, exalbuminous with straw-colored testa, with an
agreeable aromatic odor and a pungent-bitter taste. They have grooved and gland-dotted stems. Leaves are
simple, broadly elliptic, rounded, and mucronate at apex, clothed with white hairs on both surfaces, covered with
numerous black dots, 5 main nerves springing from the base. Flowers are dense, corolla yellow or bluish purple,
axillary, 10–30 flowered racemes. Flowering time is from August to December. Fruit is small, 5 mm long,
subglobular, slightly compressed, pitted black, beaked without hairs, indehiscent, one-seeded pod, which is
adhering to the pericarp

Chemical constituents
P. corylifolia extract contains numerous phytochemicals,
including flavonoids (neobavaisoflavone, isobavachalcone, bavachalcone, bavachinin, bavachin, corylin, corylifol, cor
ylifolin and 6-prenylnaringenin), coumarins(psoralidin, psoralen, isopsoralen and angelicin), meroterpenes (bakuchiol,
and 3-hydroxybakuchiol).

Propagation and Cultivation:

The plant thrives well in areas with low to medium rainfall during the summer months and on a variety of soils
ranging from sandy, medium loam to black cotton in dry tropical regions of India. The germination percentage can
be considerably increased by sowing the seeds during summer, that is, March–April and leaving them in the heat
of the soil. Mechanical puncturing of the seed coverings or presowing treatment with concentrated sulfuric acid
for 60 min has also been found effective in breaking the dormancy of the seeds and increasing the germination
percentage considerably. The crop takes 7–8 months to reach maturity. As seeds continue to mature continuously,
4–5 pickings are usually taken between December and March. Clonal propagation of P. corylifolia through shoot tip
and axillary bud culture is done. Survival rate on transfer to field was 95%.

PARTS USED:
Seed oil ,roots, stem ,and leaves
Analysis of Psoralea Corylifolia L. Fruits in Different Regions

Abstract
Application of multivariate data analysis has become a popular method in the last decades, mainly
because it can provide information not otherwise accessible. The information includes classification,
searching similarities, finding relationships, finding physical significance to principal components, etc.
Twenty-two Chinese medicinal herbs containing twelve constituents were collected and determined by
HPLC. The results were studied by hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal components analysis
(PCA). It was shown that the samples could be clustered reasonably into three groups, hence
corresponding with the typical habitats of Psoralea corylifolia L.

The Chemical Constituents and Bioactivities of Psoralea

Corylifolia Linn.: A Review

Abstract
Psoralea corylifolia Linn. (P. corylifolia) is an important medicinal plant with thousands of years of clinical
application. It has been widely used in many traditional Chinese medicine formulas for the treatment of
various diseases such as leucoderma and other skin diseases, cardiovascular diseases, nephritis,
osteoporosis, and cancer. Phytochemical studies indicated that coumarins, flavonoids, and meroterpenes
are the main components of P. corylifolia, and most of these components are present in the seeds or
fruits. The extracts and active components of P. corylifolia demonstrated multiple biological activities,
including estrogenic, antitumor, anti-oxidant, antimicrobial, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory,
osteoblastic, and hepatoprotective activities. This paper systematically summarized literatures on the
chemical constituents and biological activities of P. corylifolia, which provided useful information for the
further research and development toward this potent medicinal plant.

Psoralea Corylifolia L. (Buguchi) - Folklore to Modern Evidence:

Review

Abstract
Psoralea corylifolia is an important medicinal plant which is used in several traditional medicines to cure
various diseases. The plant extracts have been reported to possess antibacterial, antitumor, antioxidant,
anti-inflammatory, antifungal and immunomodulatory activity. 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 present review is therefore, an effort to give a
detailed survey of the literature on its botany, phytochemistry and ethnopharmacology along with special
emphasis given on pharmacological activities of plant P. corylifolia.
Genus Psoralea: A Review of the Traditional and Modern Uses,
Phytochemistry and Pharmacology
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance: The genus Psoralea (Fabaceae) harbours 105 accepted species that
are extensively used by local peoples and medicinal practitioners of China, India, and other countries for
treatment of tooth decay, psoriasis, leucoderma, leprosy, kidney problems, tuberculosis, indigestion,
constipation and impotence. Presently, pharmacological research reports are available on only few species
namely Bituminaria bituminosa (Syn: P. bituminosa), P. canescens, P. corylifolia, P. esculenta, P. plicata and
P. glandulosa which are valued for their chemical constituents and traditional uses.

Aim of the review: This review article provides explicit information on traditional uses, phytochemistry,
and pharmacological activities of selected Psoralea species. The possible trends and perspectives for
future research on these plants are also discussed.

Materials and methods: An extensive and systematic review of the extant literature was carried out, and
the data under various sections were identified using a computerized bibliographic search via the
PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar, CAB Abstracts, MEDLINE, EMBASE, INMEDPLAN, NATTS as
well as several websites.

Key findings: A total of 291 bioactive compounds from 06 species of genus Psoralea have been isolated
and characterized. However, P. bituminosa alone possess nearly 150 compounds. These bioactive
compounds belong to different chemical classes, including flavonoids, coumarins, furanocoumarins,
chalcones, quinines, terpenoids and some others due to which these species exhibit significant anti-
oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-helmintic, anti-diabetic, diuretic, hepatoprotective, anti-
cancer and anti-tumor activities. P. corylifolia L. (Babchi), a Chinese traditional medicinal plant has been
used in traditional medicine for many decades for its healing properties against numerous skin diseases
such as leprosy, psoriasis and leucoderma.

Conclusions: The in vitro studies and in vivo models have provided a simple bio-scientific justification for
various ethnopharmacological uses of Psoralea species. From the toxicological perspective, the root, leaf,
and seed extracts and their preparations have been proven to be safe when consumed in the
recommended doses. But, meticulous studies on the pharmaceutical standardization, mode of action of
the active constituents, and sustainable conservation of Psoralea species are needed, to meet the growing
demands of the pharmaceutical industries, and to fully exploit their preventive and therapeutic potentials.

Antibacterial Compounds From the Seeds of Psoralea Corylifolia

Abstract
Psoralidin, bakuchicin, psoralin and angelicin, isolated from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia, showed
significant antibacterial activities against a number of Gram (+) and Gram (-) bacteria.
Psoralea Corylifolia L: Ethnobotanical, Biological, and Chemical
Aspects: A Review

Abstract
Psoralea corylifolia L. (Leguminosae) is a well-known traditional medicinal plant used from ancient times
for treatment of various ailments. It is widely distributed and an important part of therapeutics in
Ayurveda and in Chinese medicines. The aim of this review is to present comprehensive and most up to
date report on its ethnobotanical, ethnopharmacological, clinical, phytochemical, and side effects. Studies
on the ethnobotanical, ethnopharmacological, clinical, phytochemical, and side effects of P. corylifolia
were published until year 2017 and were searched using various scientific databases. The scientific
literature searched revealed that these plant species has been extensively investigated in vivo and in vitro
for various biological and phytochemical studies. It has cardiotonic, vasodilator, pigmentor, antitumor,
antibacterial, cytotoxic, and anti-helminthic properties and locally used for alopecia, inflammation,
leukoderma, leprosy, psoriasis, and eczema. So far, about a hundred bioactive compounds have been
isolated from seeds and fruits, and most important compounds identified belongs to coumarins,
flavonoids, and meroterpenes groups. This review article summarized the most updated scientific
literature on bioactive phytochemical and biological activities of P. corylifolia. This article will be a useful
addition to providing information for future research, and more standard clinical trials are needed for the
plant to be used as therapeutic agent.

Five Constituents in Psoralea corylifolia L. Attenuate Palmitic

Acid-Induced Hepatocyte Injury via Inhibiting the Protein
Kinase C-α/Nicotinamide-Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate
Oxidase Pathway

Rapid micropropagation of Psoralea corylifolia L.

using nodal explants cultured in organic additive-
supplemented medium
Summary
The influence of different growth regulators and additives on shoot multiplication from
nodal explants of Psoralea corylifolia was investigated. Prolific shoot multiplication was
achieved within 4 weeks of culture on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented
with 5 μM benzyladenine (BA), 5 μM ascorbic acid (AA), 100 mg l–1 casein hydrolysate (CH)
and 5% (v/v) coconut water (CW). Shoots elongated on half-strength MS basal medium
devoid of inositol, but containing 5 μM 2-isopentenyladenine (2iP), 10 g l –1 sucrose and 8 g l–
1
 agar. Elongated shoots rooted on half-strength MS basal medium supplemented with 3
μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), 10 g l–1 sucrose and 7 g l–1 agar within 5 d of culture. The in
vitro-raised plants were established successfully in 2:1:1 (v/v/v) garden soil:farmyard
soil:sand, and maintained in a growth chamber with 100% survival. Acclimatised plants
were transferred to a glasshouse and established successfully in the field. Flowers and
fruits appeared after 4 months and resembled those on source plants. This system could
be used for rapid commercial propagation of P. corylifolia for conservation strategies and to
produce phytomedicines.

Effect of growth regulators on rapid micropropagation and psoralen

production in Psoralea corylifolia L.
A rapid and efficient micropropagation system was developed for Psoralea corylifolia, an
endangered, valuable medicinal plant. Multiple shoot buds were obtained in half-strength
liquid Phillips–Collins (L2) medium supplemented with 5 μM benzylaminopurine (BA) and
5 μM thidiazuron (TDZ) from apical bud explants of 1-week-old cultures. The shoot buds
were subcultured on enriched solid L2 medium supplemented with different concentrations
and combinations of BA, kinetin (KIN), 2-isopentenyladenine (2iP), TDZ, bavistin (BVN)
and trimethoprim (TMP). Enriched solid L2 medium supplemented with 2 μM BA, 1 μM
TDZ and 100 mg l−1 BVN were more effective in producing greater number of shoots per
explant (85.2 ± 0.9 shoots/explant) after 4 weeks of culture. The regenerated shoots (40–
50 mm in length) rooted and accompanied by hardening upon transfer to 50 μM indole-3-
butyric acid (IBA) for 15 min and followed by planting in sterile soil mixture and
vermiculate (3:1 v/v), with 50 ml of one-eight strength L2 basal salt solution devoid of
sucrose and inositol, supplemented with 5 μM IBA and 100 mg l−1 BVN. The plants achieved
100% rooting with hardening. Subsequently the rooted plants were successfully established
in the field. The survival percentage differed with seasonal variations. The concentration of
psoralen was evaluated in different tissues of ex vitro and in vivo grown plants by high-
performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Psoralen content was increased in leaves
(2.97%), roots (2.38%),stems (5.40%) and seeds (1.63%) of ex vitro plants than the in vivo
plants. This system facilitates for commercial and rapid propagation of P. corylifolia for
conservation strategies and phytomedicine production.

Endangered Medicinal Plant Psoralea corylifolia: Traditional,

Phytochemical, Therapeutic Properties and Micropropagation  
Psoralea corylifolia is an endangered and medicinally important plant found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Its
medicinal usage is reported in Indian pharmaceutical codex, the Chinese, British and the American pharmacopoeias and in
different traditional system of medicines such as Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha. From its traditional uses in health care and food,
extensive phytochemical studies have been reported. The present review  reveals that wide ranges of phytochemical
constituents have been isolated from the plant and it possesses important activities like antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal
anti-inflammatory, antitumor,  hepatoprotective activit, anti-psoriasis, anthelmintic, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory activities
anti AIDS etc. Considering data from the literature, it could be demonstrated that Psoralea corylifolia possesses diverse
bioactive properties and immense utilization in medicine, health care, cosmetics and as health supplements. As a health food, it
is enriched with high therapeutic value with high potential for further development. The present review therefore aims to
compile up to date and comprehensive information of Psoralea corylifolia with special emphasis on phytochemical and ethno
medicinal uses, scientifically documented pharmacological activities and tissue culture methods for conservation.  

Micropropagation

In vitro techniques have been increasingly applied for mass propagation and conservation of germplasm as it has superiority over

conventional method ofpropagation and offer some distinct advantage over alternative strategies. The development of rapid, large

scale propagation protocol for important medicinal plants has become a necessity in order to meet the pharmaceutical needs and

also to prevent the plant from becoming endangered. The germination rate of Psoralea  corylifolia seeds are low and span of

viability is less which restricts its propagation through conventional method. Low germination percentage and viability of the

seeds, long gestation periods and delicate field-handling are some of the factors which discourage commercial cultivation of the

plant in vitro micropropagation can be an alternative for meeting out the demand within in responsible time and obtain large

number of consistently uniform and true to type plant with in short span of time.

Consumer demand for high quality medicinal herbs is increasing at a slow, but steady, rate. Many of these herbs are harvested

exclusively from stagnant to declining wild populations. One of the possible methods of protection of endangered taxon is

multiplying and conservation of plants by in vitro cultures. Biotechnological approaches, specifically plant tissue culture plays a

vital role in search for alternatives to production of desirable medicinal compounds from plants.   The gradual decline in the

population of Psoralea corylifolia demand launching of conservation effort so as to ensure continuous and ample supply by

establishing a balanced cycle of harvest and renewal. Such conservation efforts would ensure continuous and ample supply of

this valuable material which is in great demand by the pharmaceutical industry. Due to micropropagation it   reduces cost and

completion of life cycle can be attained within reasonable time, reducing risk of extinction to the wild population. An observation

at the post-germination growth stage revealed that Psoralea corylifolia is a slow-growing species46.

5.1 Micropropagation through apical meristem

The Apical meristems was used as the explants cultured on Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium (MS) supplemented different

concentrations and combinations of plant growth regulators, 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP), Kinetin (Kn), 1-Naphthaleneacetic

acid (NAA) and B5 vitamins + 2 mg/ltr. Glycine (MBG). Results: Highest Shoot regeneration (95%) results were obtained on

MS medium containing BAP (12 μM) with NAA (10.0 μM) and Kn (15.0 μM) generating shoots (6.12 shoots). BAP 12 μM

found to be best for shoot multiplication. 5.2 Micropropagation through cotyledonary node

Cotyledonary node of Psoralea corylifolia gave rise to multiple shoots when cultured on MS medium supplemented with

different concentrations of BAP and Kn. The highest rate of shoot multiplication was obtained in MS containing 2.22 μM BAP.

The regenerated shootlets were rooted on MS basal medium with different concentrations of IBA. The maximum number of roots

was produced on the medium containing 4.92 μM of IBA. The plantlets, thus developed were hardened and successfully

established in soil. Tissue culture raised plants exhibited normal growth, flowering and pod setting 46.

5.3 Micro propagation through axillary meristem

Shoot induction on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with various auxins and cytokinins individually and in various

combinations has been achieved by using axillary and apical meristems. MS medium fortified with 0.5- 2.0 mg/l BAP and

0.2mg/l NAA was found to be effective individually. The medium with 0.5mg/l BAP + 0.2 mg/l NAA responded better as

compared to other combinations. 3-6 shoots having 2-3cm length has been initiated from axillary meristem were excised and

further used for shoot multiplication on MS fortified with high concentration of growth hormones to produce shoots 47.

5.4 Micro propagation through leaves

Leaves segments, shoot segments and root segments excised from in vitro raised seedlings were used as explants. Among three

explants used, leaves segments were best for callus induction as compared to shoot and root segments. The concentration of 2, 4-

D (18 μM) + kinetin (2.0 μM) was sufficient to induce callus in 95% of cultures from leaf segments. Leaf segment derived calli

were greenish yellow and friable. Higher number of shoots (6.15 shoots) was obtained BAP (14 μM) with NAA (10.0 μM) and

Kn (10.0 μM) from leaf derived callus The %age of shoot generates from shoot derived callus (70.5%) is higher than shoot

generates from root derived callus (40.3%). Regenerated shoots were rooted on MS medium supplemented with different plant

growth regulators and best response (92%) was observed with IBA (0.5μM).

5.5 Micropropagation through hypocotyle

Hypocotyls explants  was used as the explants cultured on Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium (MS) supplemented with

different concentrations and combinations of plant growth regulators, The highest response was observed in ms medium

containing 3mg/l of BA benzyladenine and 1 NAA and 5AA(ascorbic acid) and 5mg/l of (CH) casein hydrolysate .the

regenerated shoots were rooted on half strength ms basal medium supplemented 3 mg/l IBA .Rooted shoots were effectively

transferred to garden soil farmyard soil, and sand 2:1;1 mixture.subsequntly plants were successfully aclimatised,,During

acclimatization plants were irrigated with 50 ml one-eight strength  MS basal salt solution devoid of sucrose and inositol But

supplemented with 3 mg/l of IBA and Bavistin (BVN).The plants were subsequently established in the field 48.

5.6 Micropropagation through nodal segments

Nodal explants  was used as the explants cultured on Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium (MS) supplemented with different

concentrations and combinations of plant growth regulators, The highest response was observed in MS medium containing 5mg/l

of BA benzyladenine and addition of 100mg/l of(CH) casein hydrolysate in medium enhanced the growth of regenerants.The .the

regenerated shoots were rooted  best in half MS basal medium supplemented with0.5mg/l IBA .Rooted shootswere hardened

successfully and maintained in nursery49. 

5.7 Callus induction

Callus induction depended on the different concentration of plant growth regulators as well as type of explants in the callus-

inducing medium. Leaf segments, shoot segments and root segments excised from in vitro raised seedlings were used as explants.

Among three explants used, leaf segments were best for callus induction as compared to shoot and root segments. The
concentration of 2, 4-D (18 μM) + kinetin (2.0 μM) was sufficient to induce callus in 95% of cultures from leaf segments. Leaf

segment derived calli were greenish yellow and friable. Higher number of shoots (6.15 shoots) was obtained BAP (14 μM) with

NAA (10.0 μM) and Kn (10.0μM) from leaf derived callus The %age of shoot generates from shoot derived callus (70.5%) is

higher than shoot generates from root derived callus (40.3%). Regenerated shoots were rooted on MS medium supplemented with

different plant growth regulators and best response (92%) was observed with IBA (0.5μM) 50.

6 Conclusions 

Plants are the main repository of all kind of biochemical’s which are produced as primary and secondary metabolites. These

metabolites are industrially important as they constitute the major chunk of pharmaceutically important drugs. As a result of their

huge demand in modern market they are overexploited from their natural habitat, resulting in disappearance of many plant

species. Widespread harvesting of medicinal plants will lead to loss of genetic diversity and income to poor people who benefit

greatly from the collection and trade in plants. . From the review of the literature, we conclude that development of appropriate

can ensure availability of uniform and disease-free propagules for cultivation and management of threatened plants on farmland.

Conventional breeding is slow and horticultural tools may not be sufficient to meet the future demand for these plants Therefore,

plant tissue cultures are being potentially used as an alternative new strategy for conservation of this important plant species.

IN-VITRO PROPAGATION OF AN ENDANGERED MEDICINAL

PLANT PSORALEA CORYLIFOLIA LINN
PRIYANKA PANDEY1*, RAKESH MEHTA1, RAVI UPADHYAY2 1Government M.G.M.P.G. College, Itarsi,
Hoshangabad (M.P.)-461111,2Government P.G. College, Piparia, Hoshangabad (M.P.)461775

Objective: Here, we established the protocol for plant regeneration of Psoralea corylifolia  via  In-
vitro micropropagation.

Methods: The Apical meristems was used as the explants cultured on Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium (MS)
supplemented different concentrations and combinations of plant growth regulators, 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP),
Kinetin (Kn), 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and B5 vitamins + 2 mg/ltr. Glycine (MBG).

Results: Highest Shoot regeneration (95%) results were obtained on MS medium containing BAP (12 µM) with NAA
(2.0 µM) and Kn (3.0 µM) generating shoots (6.12 shoots). BAP 12 µM found to be best for shoot multiplication.
All the micro-shoots produced normal roots within two weeks of culture on the basic MS medium supplemented with
auxin, viz. IAA, IBA or NAA. Maximum of 95% shoots were rooted with an average of 6.8 roots per shoot and average
length of 7.11cm on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 μM IBA. Plantlets were transferred to pots where they grew
well, attained maturity and set viable seeds.

Conclusion: The micropropagation protocol reported here was characterized with a rapid proliferation of shoots, easy
rooting of the micro-shoots and the plantlets were easily acclimatized to the external environment and undergoing
normal physiological development.
Enhanced Seed Germination of Psoralea Corylifolia L. by Heat Treatment

Abstract Psoralea corylifolia is a medically important plant and it used for large scale level in pharmaceutical
industries to cure various skin diseases. This plant is facing difficulties in propagation because of poor seed
germination and high mortality of seedlings. Therefore, an efficient and simple protocol developed for seed
germination of Psoralea corylifolia via hot water treatment for in situ and ex situ plant propagation and conservation.
Different treatments such as hot water heat treatment (10°C to 100°C) and sulfuric acid (H2So4) treatment (5 to 30
min) were used for seed germination. In which, hot water heat treatment with 70°C was produced the highest seed
germination (70%) and survival rate. It is concluded that the hot water heat treatment favorably overcome the
dormancy of seed. Developed protocol in this study will be helpful for mass propagation and in situ and ex situ
conservations.

In Vitro Propagation and Conservation of Useful Endangered

Medicinal Plants with Anticancer Activity
Abstract
Human beings are rely on medicinal plants for their primary health needs as medicine and natural
preservatives in various traditional medicinal systems called siddha, ayurveda, unani and homeopathy.
Throughout the world, whole plants have been uprooted extensively from the natural habitats for medicine
preparation and it affects nearly 15,000 medicinal plants endurance. Recently, the International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) suggested that, thousands of plants are facing extinction risk due to extensive
exploitation, habitat loss, deforestation and lack of conservation knowledge. Requirement of herbal products in
the global market is ever increasing, and remarkably, the mass of plant material is still harvested from the
forest. Inadequate or unavailability of seeds, seed dormancy, rare seed set production, loss of viability and
endophytic bacterial and fungal contaminations in explants are some of the major limitations in the
conventional propagation. In fact, it is difficult to produce large volume of plants through conventional
propagation as required by pharmaceutical industries, local practitioners or reintroduction schemes. Currently,
in vitro propagation and liquid culture protocols are attracting the scientific community to preserve and
produce huge amount of plant material, secondary metabolites, suspension culture, synthetic seeds and
transgenic plants. The threatened medicinal plants with anticancer properties like Gymnema sylvestre,
Leptadenia reticulata, Saussurea involucrata, Caralluma bhupenderiana, Zeyheria montana, Psoralea corylifolia,
Gloriosa superba, Swertia chirayita and Nilgirianthus ciliatus have been successfully conserved through in vitro
propagation for future demands. In vitro regeneration and conservation of endangered medicinal plants is
pave the way for production of pharmacologically active substances especially anticancer compounds.