Avalguja (Avalguja (Bakuchi, Somaraji, Suparnika))
Avalguja (Psoralea corylifolia) is a significant herb in Ayurveda, known for its therapeutic properties, especially in treating skin conditions like vitiligo and eczema. It contains potent phytochemicals like psoralen and bakuchiol.
Botanical name: Psoralea corylifolia. Also known as: Aindavi, Avalguja, Bakuchi, Chanderlekha, Chanderprabha, Kushthahantri, Sitavari, Somaraji, Vejani, Vakuchi, Sugandha kantak, Krishnaphala, Chandraraji, Asitatvacha, Kalameshi, Somavalli, Bakuci, Sasankarekha, Babachi, Babchi, Bavanchiyan, Bhavaj, Bakuci, Bemchi, Babchi seeds, Psoralea seeds, Malay tea, Scurf-pea, Purple Fleabane, Fountain bush, West Indian Satinwood, Bavachi, Hakuch, Latakasturi, Kakuch, Barachi, Bakuchi, Habuch, Somraji, Hakucha Veeja, Bavanchalu, Bavanchi-vittulu, Bogi-vittulu, Karu-bogi, Kala-ginja, Bhavanji, Karpokarishi, Karpuva-arishi, Karpuvanshi, Kaarboka-arisi, Karpogalarisi, Babchi, Bavacha, Babichi, Bawchi, Babichi, Babachi, Bavachya, Bavachi, Bavanchi, Bavachi, Karkokil, Karpokkari, Kaurkolari, Babechi, Baukuchi, Bavachige, Bavanchi, Bauchige, Bhavantibeeja, Bhavanchigid, Babechi, Waghchi, Vabkuchi, Ba bakhi, Babchi, Bodi-ata.
Properties
Melanogenesis induction, Anti-inflammatory activity, Antimicrobial activity, Antioxidant activity
Dosage
Seed powder: 1–3 grams per day in divided doses. Oil: For external application. Tincture: 3–15 mL/day.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Pungent
- Virya: ["Ushna (Heating)"]
- Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]
Benefits
- Kushtaghna (anti-skin disease)
- Deepana (appetizer)
- Pachana (digestive)
Traditional uses
- Kilasa (skin disease)
- Shvitra (leukoderma)
- Kandu (itching)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: decreasing
- pitta: decreasing
Preparation methods
- Seed Powder: The seeds can be ground into a powder for internal or external use.
- Oil: Bakuchi oil is available for external application.
- Tincture: Tinctures can be prepared for oral administration.
- Paste: A paste can be made with water for topical application.
- Traditional Methods: Traditional methods involve grinding plant parts and extracting them into carrier oils or spirits.
- Extraction Techniques: Advanced extraction techniques like chromatography, supercritical fluid extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, and microwave-assisted extraction are also used.
- Combinations: Psoralea corylifolia is often used with other herbs in various formulations.
Contraindications
- May inhibit anticoagulating activity, use caution with anti-coagulant applications.
- White variety not suitable for people with abdominal disorders, malabsorption syndrome and hemorrhoids.
Side effects
- Volatile oils from the fruits can irritate the skin and mucous membranes.
- Seed oil may cause skin discoloration if not used in proper dosage.
Interactions
- With Western medicines: It is best to seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicines, and to allow a 30 minute gap between taking allopathic and Ayurvedic medicine.
- With Supplements: Generally, this product goes well with most dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.
- Homeopathic medicine: This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.
Clinical evidence
Meta-analyses of up to 5 RCTs and databases tracking 10+ RCTs show that Psoralea corylifolia is effective for vitiligo and eczema. Clinical trials support its use in other skin conditions and as an anthelmintic.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Kushtaghna (anti-skin disease)
- Deepana (appetizer)
- Pachana (digestive)
Classical clinical indications
- Kilasa (skin disease)
- Shvitra (leukoderma)
- Kandu (itching)