Bakuchi (Babchi)

Bākucī बाकुची

Cullen corylifolium (= Psoralea corylifolia) · Fabaceae

Common: Babchi · Bakuchi

herb seed ushna cultivated
Bakuchi (Babchi)

Rasa-Panchaka — five-fold pharmacology

Rasa
katu · tikta— tastes at first contact
Guna
laghu · ruksha— qualities
Virya
ushna— potency (heating)
Vipaka
katu— post-digestive effect
MadhuraAmlaLavanaKatuTiktaKashaya
The six classical tastes (Ṣaḍ-rasa)

Dosha effect

V
Vata
·neutral
P
Pitta
aggravates
K
Kapha
pacifies
pacifies (↓) aggravates (↑) neutral (·)

Functions

leucoderma (psoralen-mediated repigmentation)anti-Vyanga

Babchi seed. Psoralen is the active — a photosensitiser used in modern PUVA therapy for vitiligo. Classical use is for Shvitra / Kilasa (leucoderma) repigmentation.

Strong photosensitiser. Cosmetic concentration: 0.5-2 % max. Always include sun-avoidance instruction for 12 hours after application. Banned at high concentration in EU.

Safety flags
  • Strong photosensitiser — psoralen
  • EU cosmetic concentration limit applies