Pharmacological investigations of Babchi (Psoralea corylifolia Linn) – An important drug of Unani system of medicine

Abstract

Babchi (Psoralea corylifolia Linn) is an important medicinal plant which is used in Unani System of Medicine since along. Ancient Unani physicians have reported use of Babchi seeds in the treatment of different diseases especially skin diseases e.g. Bars (Leucoderma), Da-us-sadaf (Psoriasis), Bahaq (Pityriasis), Tap-e Balghamiya (Phlegmatic Fever), Deedan-e-Am’aa (Intestinal worms) and other inflammatory diseases of the skin. Several studies were conducted to validate the therapeutic potentials of the plant and it was observed that besides the aforesaid pharmacological actions, the plant extracts also possesses antibacterial, antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and immunomodulatory activity. The present paper is an effort to document the pharmacological investigations of Babchi (Psoralea corylifolia Linn) with evidence-based approach.