PHARMACOGNOSTIC AND PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF NON-SEED PARTS OF PSORALEA CORYLIFOLIA (BAKUCHI) AS SAFER ALTERNATIVES TO SEED-DERIVED PREPARATIONS

Abstract

An essential Ayurvedic medicinal plant, Psoralea corylifolia (Bakuchi), is well-known for its ability to treat a variety of dermatological conditions, particularly Shwitra (vitiligo). Its seeds and seed oil have long been utilized medicinally. The clinical safety of these components is limited, nonetheless, by the high amounts of furocoumarins (psoralen, isopsoralen) that may result in phototoxic responses. The non-seed components (leaves, roots, and aerial parts) are the subject of this study as potential safer substitutes with comparable pharmacological characteristics but less risk for phototoxicity. To assess phytochemical composition, pharmacological activity (antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory), and phototoxicity, a thorough review and experimental framework are suggested. According to published research, non-seed tissues have a comparatively reduced psoralen content but contain bioactive substances such bakuchiol, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds that have intriguing biological benefits. A stepwise evaluation pipeline covering extraction, HPLC profiling, in vitro assays, and 3T3 NRU phototoxicity testing is recommended to establish non-seed formulations as safer phytotherapeutic alternatives.