Endangered Medicinal Plant Psoralea corylifolia: Traditional, Phytochemical, Therapeutic Properties and Micropropagation

Abstract

Psoralea corylifolia is an endangered and medicinally important plant found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Its medicinal usage is reported in Indian pharmaceutical codex, the Chinese, British and the American pharmacopoeias and in different traditional system of medicines such as Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha. From its traditional uses in health care and food, extensive phytochemical studies have been reported. The present review  reveals that wide ranges of phytochemical constituents have been isolated from the plant and it possesses important activities like antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal anti-inflammatory, antitumor,  hepatoprotective activit, anti-psoriasis, anthelmintic, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory activities anti AIDS etc. Considering data from the literature, it could be demonstrated that Psoralea corylifolia possesses diverse bioactive properties and immense utilization in medicine, health care, cosmetics and as health supplements. As a health food, it is enriched with high therapeutic value with high potential for further development. The present review therefore aims to compile up to date and comprehensive information of Psoralea corylifolia with special emphasis on phytochemical and ethno medicinal uses, scientifically documented pharmacological activities and tissue culture methods for conservation.