Integrative Review on the Chemical Components, Pharmacology and Toxicology of Psoralea Corylifolia L. (Bu Gu Zhi)

Abstract

Psoralea corylifolia L. (PCL) is widely used in clinical practice and is commonly used in the treatment of osteoporosis, tumors, and dermatosis. However, in recent years, adverse reactions of PCL and its related preparations have been frequently reported, and there are even case reports of acute liver injury caused by taking PCL alone, which seriously affects the safe and rational clinical application of PCL. In this paper, the main chemical components, pharmacology, and toxicology of PCL are analyzed and summarized, and the effect-toxicity relationship of PCL and its main active components are sorted out and compared. On this basis, the active components of PCL for treating osteoporosis and causing hepatotoxicity are further systematically compared and summarized, to clarify its effect-toxicity relationship, reduce the toxicity risk of PCL, increase the benefit/risk ratio and provide evidence for the safe clinical application of PCL.