Bakuchi
•Last Updated: November 17 2022
Psoralea corylifolia (Bu Gu Zhi, Kushtanashini) is a plant whose seeds have traditionally been used for menopause and depression (among other claims); it appears to be somewhat effective, based on preliminary evidence, for both bone regeneration and catecholamine-related neural effects.
Bakuchi is most often used for
Last Updated: November 17 2022
Psoralea Corylifolia is a herb with a variety of unique compounds, traditionally touted for its usage in menopause to fight signs and symptoms of estrogen deficiency. There is limited evidence in humans currently, so most conclusions are based upon animal models and in vitro research.
It does appear to have some promise for the purpose of bone regeneration in several rat models of menopause, and this appears to be traceable to several different molecules; the class of prenylated isoflavones appears to enhance bone cell differentiation and said rat studies have confirmed an increase in bone mass.
There are two studies in rats suggesting a possible anti-stress and anti-depressant effect, although they are not to a remarkable degree. The mechanisms of Bakuchiol and its derivatives are highly catecholamine (dopamine, noradrenaline, adrenaline) based, and there is possibility of interactions between Psoralea and classical stimulants.
Beyond the promise but currently unproven benefits to cognition and bone mass, Psoralea has interesting mechanisms in regards to inducing apoptosis in cancer cells (the anti-cancer effects). Psoralea appears to increase the amount of death receptors (TRAILR2/DR5) on the cell surface and enhance signalling via the immune system, particulary TNF-α and other proteins in the TRAIL family.
Overall, however, Psoralea Corylifolia is at a fairly well researched stage that precedes human interventions although no human evidence exists currently; due to the latter, it is difficult to assume the role Psoralea can play in a supplement routine.
Note that Bakuchi is also known as:
- Bu Gu Zhi
- Babchi
- Babechi
- Kushtanashini
- Fountain Bush
- West Indian Satinwood
- Somaraji
- Bakuchi
- Ravoli
- Psoralea Corylifolia
Traditional usage of Psoralea Corylifolia is 9-30g of the herb itself.
Due to no human evidence, an optimal dosage cannot be determined at this time.
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