Single Herb Glossary
Bǔ Gǔ Zhī 補骨脂
| Pharmaceutical name | Psoraleae Fructus Psoralea fruit "tonify bone fat" |
| Category | Tonify Yang |
| Key Properties | Warmly tonifies KD and SP, Stabilizes the essence, Secures the urine, Aids KD in grasping Qi |
| Properties | Acrid Bitter Very warm |
| Tropism | KD, SP |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Tonifies the KD and fortifies the yang 2) Tonifies and warms the SP yang and Stops diarrhea 3) Topically as a tincture for vitiligo |
| Dosages | 4.5-9g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Yin Deficiency with heat signs, constipation, nocturnal emissions, hematuria, cystitis or urinary tract infection, red eyes, bitter taste in mouth with a dry tongue Caution during pregnancy |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Psoralen, isopsoralen, coryfolin, corylifolinin, psoralidin, isopsoralidin, corylidin, 8-methoxyporalen, isobavahin, bavachinin, bavachalcone, bavachromenn, bavachromanol, corylin, neobavaisofavane, corylinal, bakuchiol, psoraldehyde, isoneobavachalion, dihydrofuranochalcone bakuchalcone, chalcone bavachromanol, neobavachalcone, limonene, terpineol, stigmasterol, trilaurin, daidzin, coumstrol, angelicin |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Cardiovascular: administration dilates coronary artery and increases blood perfusion to cardiac muscle in mice • Respiratory: in a laboratory study, preparation found to have marked antiasthmatic properties compared to a placebo • Antibiotic: inhibitory effect against S. aureus, Staphylococcus albus, and others • Immunostimulant: administration associated with increase in white blood cell counts in rats • Effects on smooth muscle: according to animal studies, extract stimulated smooth muscle of intestines, but relaxed smooth muscle of uterus • Antineoplastic: preliminary studies demonstrated that psoralen at 250 µg/ml inhibits DNA synthesis of cancer cells in patients with sarcoma |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | |
| Classical Formula(s) |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.