BAKUCI (PSORALEA CORYLIFOLIA LINN.) AND ITS CLASSICAL AYURVEDIC AND ETHNOMEDICINAL USES: A CRITICAL REVIEW

Abstract

Psoralea corylifolia Linn., known as Bakuci in various Ayurvedic pharmacopoeias, such as Nighantu, Samhita, Rasa Grantha and Chikitsa Grantha. In these texts, this plant has been attributed with a number of synonyms depicting its morphological identifying characters and pharmacological actions. This paper provides a single hand information regarding Bakuci, its properties and actions, from available 30 Nighantu, 9 Samhita, 16 Chikitsa Grantha, 30 Rasa Grantha, 9 books related to ethnomedicine and 4 published research articles on ethnomedicinal claims till March 2018. The study reveals that, about 63 synonyms were attributed to Bakuci to describe its botanical and pharmacological characters. Its seed has been attributed with 12 chikitsa upayogi (useful in treatment) properties like Medhya (Brain tonic), Rasayana (Rejuvenation), Rucya etc. Bakuci has been indicated in 19 clinical conditions like Swasa (Dyspnoea), Kasa (cough), Kustha (disease of skin), Krmi (Worm infestation) etc. Further almost all part of the plant are commonly used in folklore medicine for skin diseases as well as for snake bite and scorpion sting and aphrodisiac. Findings of this review may enrich to documentary research as well as act as detailed information about Bakuci and its usages in Ayurvedic pharmacopoeias.