Psoraleae Fructus
Aliases：Pò Gù Zhǐ (Broken Old Paper); Pò Gù Zhī (Broken Old Fat); Hú Jiǔ Zǐ (Foreign Leek Seed); Pó Gù Zhī (Grandma’s Solid Fat); Bǔ Gǔ Chī (Bone-Replenishing Owl); Hēi Gù Zǐ (Black Solid Seed); Jí Gù Zǐ (Auspicious Solid Seed).
Bǔ Gǔ Zhī (Malaytea Scurfpea Fruit) is a Chinese medicinal herb. It is the dried ripe fruit of Psoralea corylifolia L., a plant of the Fabaceae family. The fruit is harvested in autumn when ripe and dried in the sun. It was first recorded in the “Kaibao Bencao” (Kaibao Materia Medica) and derives its name from its reputed ability to “supplement bone marrow and remove toxic qi.”
Efficacy & Actions
Warms the kidney and assists yang, secures essence and reduces urination, warms the spleen to stop diarrhea, and promotes qi reception to relieve wheezing.
Indications
Used for impotence and spermatorrhea due to kidney yang deficiency, cold pain in the lower back and knees, enuresis and frequent urination; for five-watch (dawn) diarrhea caused by spleen-kidney yang deficiency; and for deficient-cold asthma and cough due to kidney failing to receive qi. Modern applications also include vitiligo, psoriasis, and alopecia areata.
Modern Pharmacology
Photosensitizing Effect: Psoralen and isopsoralen in Psoralea fruit are highly active photosensitizing compounds that enhance skin sensitivity to ultraviolet light, clinically used for the treatment of vitiligo and psoriasis. Estrogen-like Effect: Psoralea fruit exhibits estrogen-like activity, promoting bone formation and inhibiting bone resorption, thus used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Antitumor Effect: Psoralen derivatives inhibit the proliferation of various tumor cells and induce apoptosis, demonstrating antitumor activity. Antibacterial and Antiviral Effects: It exhibits inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, fungi, and also possesses antiviral activity. Antioxidant and Anti-aging Effects: Flavonoids in Psoralea fruit scavenge free radicals and delay the aging process. Immunomodulatory Effect: Psoralea fruit has immunomodulatory activity. Coronary Dilatation and Anti-arrhythmic Effects: Corylifoliol (Psoralea flavone B) dilates coronary arteries and counteracts arrhythmias. Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects: It inhibits various inflammation models and exhibits analgesic effects. Melanogenesis-promoting Effect: It activates tyrosinase activity and promotes melanin synthesis.
Ingredients
Coumarins: Psoralen, isopsoralen, psoralidin, isopsoralidin, etc. Flavonoids: Corylin, corylifoliol, bavachalcone, isobavachalcone, neobavaisoflavone, etc. Monoterpenoid Phenols: Bakuchiol – which exhibits significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging activities. Other Components: Volatile oils, lipids, sterols, amino acids, and trace elements (zinc, copper, iron, manganese, etc.).
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Decoction, 6–10 g; or prepared in pills or powder. Topical Application: Appropriate amount, ground into powder and mixed for external application, or steeped in wine and applied to the affected area (for treating vitiligo). Note: This herb is warm and drying in nature, and may damage yin. It should not be taken in large amounts over a prolonged period.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with yin deficiency and fire excess: Not suitable for those presenting with five-center heat (palms, soles, and chest), night sweats, dry mouth and throat, and red tongue with scant coating. Use with caution in patients with constipation: As Psoralea fruit is warm and drying in nature, it may aggravate constipation. Contraindicated during pregnancy: Psoralea fruit has estrogen-like effects that may affect fetal development. Contraindicated in cases of scanty dark urine due to damp-heat descending. Use with caution in individuals with allergies: Topical use may cause photosensitive dermatitis.
Selected Formulas
For Kidney Deficiency Lower Back Pain (Qing E Wan, from Buyao Zhenxiu Xiao'er Fang) Take 120 g of Psoralea fruit (Bǔ Gǔ Zhī), 250 g of Eucommia bark (Dù Zhòng), and 20 walnut kernels. Grind them into powder, then form into pills with honey. Take 6 g each time, with light salt water. For Dawn (Five-Watch) Diarrhea (Si Shen Wan, from Zhengzhi Zhunsheng) Take 120 g of Psoralea fruit, 60 g of Nutmeg (Ròu Dòu Kòu), 60 g of Schisandra fruit (Wǔ Wèi Zǐ), and 30 g of Evodia fruit (Wú Zhū Yú). Grind into powder. Cook ginger and jujube, extract the flesh, and mix with the powder to form pills. Take 6–9 g each time. For Impotence and Spermatorrhea (Empirical Formula) Take 15 g of Psoralea fruit, 12 g of Cuscuta seed (Tù Sī Zǐ), and 12 g of Lycium fruit (Gǒu Qǐ Zǐ). Decoct in water and take orally. For Vitiligo (Empirical Formula) Take 30 g of Psoralea fruit and steep it in 100 ml of 75% alcohol for 7 days. Apply the liquid to the affected area 2–3 times daily. For Deficient-Cold Asthma Due to Kidney Failing to Receive Qi (Empirical Formula) Take 10 g of Psoralea fruit, 6 g of Ginseng (Rén Shēn), and 3 g of Gecko powder (Há Jiè Fěn, taken separately). Decoct in water and take orally.
Daily Consumption
Psoralea Congee: Take 10 g of Psoralea fruit (wrapped in a cloth bag) and 50 g of polished rice. Add water and cook into a congee. Remove the cloth bag after cooking, then add brown sugar to taste. Suitable for kidney deficiency lower back pain and spermatorrhea. Psoralea and Walnut Soup: Take 10 g of Psoralea fruit, 30 g of walnut kernels, and 1 pair of pork kidneys (sliced). Add water and stew for 1 hour, then season with salt. This soup warms the kidney and strengthens yang. Psoralea Wine: Take 30 g of Psoralea fruit, crush it, and steep it in 500 ml of white liquor. Seal and let it sit for 7 days. Drink 10–15 ml each time, once daily. Suitable for rheumatic arthralgia and kidney deficiency lower back pain.
Medicinal Parts
Dried ripe fruit.
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place, protected from mold and insects.