Psoralea bituminosa
Botanical Nomenclature | Psoralea bituminosa |
Common Name | Arabian Pea, Pitch Trefoil |
Taxonomy- Family | Fabaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Psoralea bituminosa is a perennial, herbaceous plant growing from 25 to 100cm, with linear, lanceolate or oval, wavy leaves, spherical, brown fruits and blue, purple or white flowers. The flowering and the harvesting take place from January to May. |
Region Found | Epirus |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Fruits, essential oil |
Active Substances | Psoralens, isoflavones, terpenes, furanocoumarins, essential oil which contains caryophyllene and pinene |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The seeds of the plant are used as anthelmintic, antibacterial, aphrodisiac, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic and tonic. The plant is administered in the form of herbal tea for the treatment of fever, frequent urination and nocturnal enuresis. The root's extract is recommended against dental caries. Also, a poultice made from the fresh plant is applied externally to treat various skin problems, such as eczema, leprosy and alopecia areata. |
Method of Administration | The plant is administered as emmenagogue, diuretic and astringent in the form of herbal tea (9-30g of dried herb in a cup of boiled water, 2-3 times daily). It is applied externally to the skin in the form of poultice made from the fresh plant. Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions. |
Toxicity- Adverse Effects | Plant's consumption may cause photosensitivity. |
References | 1)http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_psoralea.htm 2)http://examine.com/supplements/Psoralea+corylifolia/ 3)http://www.fao.org/ag/agp/AGPC/doc/Gbase/new_species/tedera/bitbit.htm 4)http://www.maltawildplants.com/FABC/Bituminaria_bituminosa.php 5)Diehm C, Trampisch HJ, Lange S, Schmidt C. Comparison of leg compression stocking and oral horse-chestnut seed extract therapy in patients with chronic venous insufficiency. Lancet. 1996;347:292–4. |