Health Benefits of Furanocoumarins ‘Psoralidin’ An Active Phytochemical of Psoralea corylifolia: The Present, Past and Future Scenario

Abstract

Background: Phytoconstituents of fruits, vegetables, spice and herbs are important for human health. Phytoconstituents play an important role in the growth, development, defensive mechanism, colors, odour and flavors of plants. Psoralea corylifolia Linn (P. corylifolia) commonly known as ‘Bakuchi’ belongs to Leguminosae family widely distributed in China and Southeastern Asian countries. Methods: Various electronic databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Google were searched to collect the data of the present review. Further, all the collected information was categorized into different section as per the aim of the paper. Moreover, analyzed data were also presented in the graphical abstract. Results: Seventy-two research and review papers have been collected and were included in the present review. Nineteen papers contained general information’s of P. corylifolia, Psoralens and psoralidin whereas thirty paper data were presented in the pharmacological activities sections and remaining in the Analytical tools and discussion section. From these databases, we can say that P. corylifolia possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antioxidant, antiflarial, estrogenic, antitumour, and immunomodulatory activities. Psoralens are mainly used in the treatment of psoriasis, vitiligo and dermatitis. Topical or oral psoralens followed by UVA radiation exposure are one of the best treatments of leucoderma. Psoralidin exhibits antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities. Conclusion: This review summarizes an overview of P. corylifolia, psoralen and its derivative psoralidin with respects to their pharmacological activities, medicinal uses, biological activities and bioanalytical aspects. These data will be helpful in the translation of information from traditional to the modern medicine of psoralidin.