Photo: Piyush Kothari / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Bakuchi बाकुची
Cullen corylifolium · Fabaceae
Also known as: Psoralea corylifolia, Babchi, Bavachi
Part used: Seed
Bakuchi (Cullen corylifolium, formerly Psoralea corylifolia) is an Indian herb whose seeds are the classical treatment for vitiligo and stubborn skin disease. It works by making skin more responsive to sunlight, which is also why it must be used carefully — the same property causes burns if the dose or exposure is wrong.
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Cullen corylifolium
- Part used: Seed
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Seed powder 0.5–2 g and Bakuchi oil externally, under supervision for skin conditions.
Bakuchi in other languages
Introduction
Bakuchi (Cullen corylifolium), or Babchi, is a classical skin herb best known for supporting pigmentation in vitiligo and leucoderma. Its seeds stimulate the skin and clear stubborn Kapha-Vata skin conditions.
Classification
Of the Fabaceae family, Bakuchi is grouped among the Kushtaghna (anti-skin-disease) dravyas. Its pungent-bitter taste and heating potency clear Kapha and stimulate the skin's pigment response.
Uses & benefits
Bakuchi is the classical treatment for Shvitra — vitiligo and leucoderma — used both internally and as an external paste or oil, traditionally combined with measured sun exposure. It is also given in stubborn Kushtha (chronic skin disease) and in fungal complaints of the skin.
Bakuchi for vitiligo
The classical Shvitra drug, used with controlled sun exposure to encourage repigmentation. This is its principal and best-documented use.
Bakuchi for psoriasis
Used in chronic scaling skin disease, applied as an oil and taken internally under supervision.
Bakuchi for leucoderma patches
Applied topically as Bakuchi Taila directly to depigmented patches, the traditional method across Indian dermatological practice.
Bakuchi for fungal skin infection
Its antifungal reputation covers ringworm and similar complaints, applied as an oil or paste.
Bakuchi for Kushta
Named across the classical texts among the Kushtaghna drugs used in the broad category of chronic skin disease.
Bakuchi as bakuchiol
Its principal constituent has become widely used in modern cosmetic products as a gentler alternative to retinol for skin renewal.
Bakuchi for hair
Traditionally applied to the scalp in patchy hair loss, on the same repigmenting and stimulating principle.
Bakuchi for worms
A secondary classical indication, the seed being used as a Krimighna drug.
Bakuchi for diarrhoea
Used in classical practice for chronic loose stool, though this is far less common than its dermatological use.
Bakuchi in classical formulations
The lead drug of Bakuchi Taila and a component of most traditional vitiligo compounds, usually with Khadira and Manjistha.
Dosage — how much to take
Seed powder 0.5–2 g and Bakuchi oil externally, under supervision for skin conditions. Follow your Vaidya's advice.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Bakuchi?
The citations held for Bakuchi in this catalogue are: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Haritakyadi Varga).
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Bakuchi?
Described as Kushtaghna and skin-beneficial. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Haritakyadi Varga.
What is Bakuchi traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Bakuchi is the classical treatment for Shvitra — vitiligo and leucoderma — used both internally and as an external paste or oil, traditionally combined with measured sun exposure. It is also given in stubborn Kushtha (chronic skin disease) and in fungal complaints of the skin.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Bakuchi?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Bakuchi classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Bakuchi carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Bakuchi is used medicinally?
The part used is Seed.
How much Bakuchi is taken, and how?
Seed powder 0.5–2 g and Bakuchi oil externally, under supervision for skin conditions. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Bakuchi be avoided?
Photo-sensitising; follow dosing and sun-exposure advice carefully. Use only under guidance.
Where does Bakuchi grow?
Bakuchi is an annual herb of open plains and waste ground across India, its seeds harvested for medicine.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Haritakyadi Varga
Described as Kushtaghna and skin-beneficial. - Classical Shwitra texts — Kushtha Chikitsa
Cited for leucoderma (Shwitra).
Modern research
-
Psoralea corylifolia L: Ethnobotanical, biological, and chemical aspects: A review
(see source). Phytotherapy Research (2020)
A review of Psoralea corylifolia (Bakuchi) documenting its use in vitiligo and skin conditions and its bakuchiol/psoralen chemistry.
View study doi:10.1002/ptr.6006
Safety & precautions
Photo-sensitising; follow dosing and sun-exposure advice carefully. Use only under guidance.
Where it grows
Bakuchi is an annual herb of open plains and waste ground across India, its seeds harvested for medicine.
Frequently asked questions
How does Bakuchi treat vitiligo?
Bakuchi contains psoralens, which make skin more responsive to ultraviolet light. Applied to depigmented patches followed by brief, controlled sun exposure, it encourages pigment to return. This is the traditional basis of modern PUVA therapy.
Can Bakuchi cause skin burns?
Yes, and this is the main risk. Because it sensitises skin to sunlight, too much oil or too long in the sun causes blistering and burns. Start with short exposure, use it exactly as directed, and never increase the sun time to speed things up.
How long does Bakuchi take to work on vitiligo?
Months, not weeks. Repigmentation is slow and often partial, and results vary greatly between people and between patches. Vitiligo needs a dermatologist's involvement — this is a supportive traditional treatment, not a cure.
What is bakuchiol and is it the same thing?
Bakuchiol is a single compound isolated from Bakuchi seeds, now popular in skincare as a gentler alternative to retinol. It is not the same as whole Bakuchi, which also contains the psoralens responsible for photosensitivity.
What is the dose of Bakuchi?
Seed powder 1–3 g per day internally, only under a physician's supervision. Externally, Bakuchi Taila applied thinly to the affected patch. It is not a herb for casual self-medication at either dose.
Who should avoid Bakuchi?
Avoid in pregnancy and while breastfeeding, in liver disease, and if you take any medication that already causes photosensitivity. Anyone with a history of skin cancer should not use a photosensitising treatment without dermatological advice.
What is Bakuchi called in Hindi?
Babchi. You may also see Bavachi or Bakuchi used directly. The botanical name was recently revised from Psoralea corylifolia to Cullen corylifolium, so older sources use the former.
