Bavchi

Bavchi (Psoralea corylifolia), commonly known as "Babchi," is a medicinal herb widely recognized in traditional systems like Ayurveda and Unani. It is a member of the Fabaceae family and is predominantly found in the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The plant is known for its seeds, which have been used for centuries in treating skin conditions like psoriasis, vitiligo, and leprosy, among others.

scientific classification

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Psoralea
Species: Psoralea corylifolia

Common Names

English: Bavchi, Babchi
Sanskrit: Bakuchi
Hindi: Bakuchi
Tamil: Vikuchi
Telugu: Bakuchi
Bengali: Bakuchi

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

Skin Disorders - Bavchi seeds are commonly used in traditional medicine to help manage skin disorders like psoriasis and vitiligo. The active compound psoralen helps in promoting skin pigmentation and alleviating skin inflammation.

Leprosy and Other Skin Infections - Traditionally, Bavchi is applied topically for treating leprosy, eczema, fungal infections, and scabies due to its strong antimicrobial properties.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects - The plant is rich in flavonoids and coumarins, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

Phytochemical Constituents

Bavchi is known to contain a range of bioactive compounds that contribute to its medicinal efficacy:

Psoralens (Psoralen, Isopsoralen)
Flavonoids: Luteolin, Apigenin
Coumarins: Scopoletin, Isosclareol
Terpenes: β-sitosterol, β-caryophyllene
Phenolic Acids: Caffeic acid, Chlorogenic acid

References

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Govt. of India.

Sharangdhar Samhita, Chapter on Skin Diseases.

Verma, R.K., & Singh, A.K. (2015). "Phytochemical profile and pharmacological activities of Psoralea corylifolia (Bavchi)." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 170, 82-91.

Indian Pharmacopoeia, Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies, 2013. "Antidiabetic potential of Psoralea corylifolia." 1(5), 34-41.

Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. CSIR, New Delhi.

Singh, S.K., & Tiwari, P. (2013). "Psoralea corylifolia: A potential plant for skin disorders." Pharmacognosy Reviews, 7(14), 28-35.

scientific classification

Common Names

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

Phytochemical Constituents

References

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