Psoralea corylifolia L. (PCL), known as Bu Gu Zhi in traditional Chinese medicine, is a widely used medicinal herb. PCL is particularly noted for its effectiveness in treating osteoporosis, tumors, and various dermatoses. However, recent reports have raised concerns about its safety, particularly regarding hepatotoxicity and skin-related adverse reactions. This review provides an integrative analysis of PCL’s main chemical components, pharmacology, and toxicology to better understand its therapeutic potential and associated risks, aiming to enhance the safe clinical application of PCL.
Main Chemical Components of PCL
PCL’s chemical profile is rich and diverse, mainly comprising coumarins, flavonoids, monoterpene phenols, benzofurans, and various trace elements. The coumarins include furanocoumarins and coumestrol, while the flavonoids encompass flavonols, dihydroflavones, isoflavonoids, and chalcones. Other notable compounds include monoglyceride, diglyceride, triglyceride, free fatty acids, glycosides such as daucosterol, and PCL polysaccharides. The volatile oils and non-volatile terpenoid oils of PCL contain fatty acids like palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and stearic acid.
Pharmacology of PCL
Anti-Osteoporosis Effect
PCL is highly regarded for its anti-osteoporosis properties. Studies indicate that PCL and its active components can significantly enhance bone mineral density (BMD) and promote bone development and calcification. Key compounds such as bakuchiol have shown concentration-dependent increases in BMD in animal models. Additionally, traditional formulations containing PCL, such as Xianlinggubao Capsule, have demonstrated efficacy in increasing BMD and serum calcium and phosphorus levels.
Treatment of Dermatosis
PCL is also effective in treating various skin conditions, including vitiligo and psoriasis. Compounds like 8-methoxypsoralen (methoxsalen) are used in PUVA therapy, combining PCL with ultraviolet A radiation to treat psoriasis. Corylin and isopsoralen have shown promise in promoting skin cell proliferation and reducing apoptosis, making them potential candidates for dermatological treatments.
Antidepressant Effects
Emerging research suggests that PCL possesses antidepressant properties, attributed to its ability to modulate neurotransmitter levels and exhibit neuroprotective effects. These findings highlight the potential of PCL as a multifaceted therapeutic agent.
Toxicology of PCL
Hepatotoxicity
One of the significant concerns associated with PCL is its potential to cause liver damage. Various compounds in PCL, such as bavachin, isobavachalcone, psoralidin, psoralen, isopsoralen, and bakuchicin, have been linked to hepatotoxicity in both cellular and animal studies. This toxicity poses a risk to patients, particularly when PCL is used in high doses or for extended periods.
Reproductive Toxicity
PCL has also been associated with reproductive toxicity. Studies have shown that chronic administration of psoralen can reduce uterine mass, decrease ovarian function, and lower estrogen levels, indicating potential risks to the reproductive system. Additionally, high doses of PCL extracts have been linked to decreased numbers of live fetuses and increased post-implantation loss rates in animal studies.
Other Toxicities
Besides hepatotoxicity and reproductive toxicity, PCL poses risks of phototoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Its photosensitive compounds can cause phototoxic contact dermatitis, and certain components like bakuchicin have been identified as nephrotoxic agents. These findings necessitate caution in the clinical application of PCL to mitigate these adverse effects.
Conclusions
PCL, with its rich chemical composition and diverse pharmacological effects, offers significant therapeutic benefits, particularly in treating osteoporosis and skin conditions. However, its associated toxicities, especially hepatotoxicity and reproductive toxicity, underscore the need for cautious and well-regulated use. This integrative review emphasizes the importance of understanding the effect-toxicity relationship of PCL to enhance its clinical application safely. Future research should focus on developing strategies to mitigate these risks, thereby maximizing the therapeutic potential of PCL while ensuring patient safety.
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The study was recently published in the Future Integrative Medicine.
Future Integrative Medicine (FIM) publishes both basic and clinical research, including but not limited to randomized controlled trials, intervention studies, cohort studies, observational studies, qualitative and mixed method studies, animal studies, and systematic reviews.
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