Description:
Bu Gu Zhi (Psoralea corylifolia / Cullen corylifolium) by Integrity Health Naturals is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine prepared from the dried mature fruit of Psoralea corylifolia, also known botanically as Cullen corylifolium. It is commonly known as Bu Gu Zhi, Psoralea Fruit, Psoralea Seed, or Fructus Psoraleae. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Bu Gu Zhi is traditionally valued for its warming and tonifying properties, particularly its traditional affinity for the Kidney and Spleen. It is traditionally used to warm and tonify Kidney Yang, strengthen the Spleen, stabilize essence, and support healthy urinary function.
Bu Gu Zhi is traditionally used to warm and tonify Kidney Yang and is traditionally selected for symptoms associated with Kidney Yang deficiency, including weakness, cold sensations, lower-back weakness, and frequent urination.
Bu Gu Zhi is also traditionally used to warm and strengthen the Spleen and support digestive function. In TCM, it may be selected for chronic loose stools or diarrhea associated with Spleen and Kidney Yang deficiency.
Bu Gu Zhi is traditionally used to stabilize and secure Kidney functions. It may be selected in traditional formulas for frequent urination, urinary weakness, premature ejaculation, and other symptoms associated with traditional Kidney deficiency patterns.
Benefits:
- Traditional Chinese herbal medicine prepared from Bu Gu Zhi (Psoralea Fruit)
- Traditionally used to warm and tonify Kidney Yang
- Traditionally used to support healthy Kidney function
- Traditionally used to strengthen the Spleen
- Traditionally used to warm and support digestive function
- Traditionally used for loose stools and diarrhea associated with traditional Spleen and
- Kidney Yang deficiency patterns
- Traditionally used to stabilize and secure Kidney Qi
- Traditionally used to support healthy urinary function
- Traditionally used for frequent urination associated with traditional Kidney Yang deficiency patterns
- Traditionally used to stabilize essence according to traditional TCM applications
- Traditionally used to support traditional reproductive and sexual vitality associated with Kidney Yang deficiency
- Traditionally used for lower-back weakness associated with traditional Kidney deficiency patterns
- Traditionally used to support strength and vitality associated with traditional deficiency patterns
- Traditionally used as part of traditional herbal formulas for cold and deficiency patterns
Other Names:
Bu Gu Zhi, Bu Gu Zhi (补骨脂), Bu Gu Zhi Zi (补骨脂子), Psoralea Fruit, Psoralea Seed, Fructus Psoraleae, Psoraleae Fructus, Psoralea corylifolia, Psoralea corylifolia L., Cullen corylifolium, Cullen corylifolium (L.) Medik., Babchi, Bakuchi, Bakuchi Fruit, Bu Gu Zhi Fruit, and Psoralea Fruit.
Indian names: बकुची (Bakuchi), बावची (Babchi), सोरालिया कोरिलिफोलिया (Psoralea corylifolia), बकुची फल (Bakuchi Fruit).
Persian name: بو قوزی (Bu Gu Zhi), میوه بو قوزی (Psoralea Fruit), باکچی (Bakuchi)، باکوشی (Bakuchi).
Traditional Uses:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Bu Gu Zhi is traditionally used to warm and tonify Kidney Yang, strengthen the Spleen, stabilize essence, and support healthy urinary function. It is traditionally selected according to an individual’s TCM pattern and constitution. Traditional applications particularly focus on cold and weakness associated with Kidney Yang deficiency, frequent urination, lower-back weakness, loose stools, chronic diarrhea, and reproductive or sexual weakness associated with traditional deficiency patterns.
Side Effects:
Bu Gu Zhi may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, or other digestive symptoms in some individuals. Concentrated preparations may cause unwanted effects, particularly when used in excessive amounts.
Psoralea species contain furanocoumarins and other compounds that may increase sensitivity to sunlight and ultraviolet radiation. Photosensitivity and skin reactions are therefore important safety considerations, particularly with concentrated preparations or excessive exposure to sunlight.
Liver-related adverse effects have also been reported with some Psoralea-containing preparations. Discontinue use and consult a healthcare practitioner if signs of liver problems occur, such as unusual fatigue, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or persistent abdominal discomfort.
Precautions:
Consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use if you are taking prescription medications or other natural health products, or if you have a medical condition.
Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless directed by a qualified healthcare practitioner or Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner.
Use caution with concentrated Bu Gu Zhi preparations because Psoralea constituents may cause photosensitivity and may affect the liver.
Avoid excessive exposure to direct sunlight and ultraviolet light when using concentrated Psoralea preparations.
Individuals with liver disease or a history of liver problems should consult a healthcare practitioner before using Bu Gu Zhi.
Consult a healthcare practitioner before use if you have a serious or major medical condition.
Discontinue use and consult a healthcare practitioner if symptoms persist or worsen or if new symptoms develop.
Interactions:
Consult a healthcare practitioner before using Bu Gu Zhi with prescription medications or other natural health products. Psoralea corylifolia contains biologically active compounds that may affect drug-metabolizing enzymes and may potentially interact with medications. Particular caution is appropriate with medications that affect the liver, medications with narrow therapeutic ranges, and other products associated with photosensitivity.
Human clinical interaction data for whole-herb Bu Gu Zhi preparations remain limited.
Dosing:
Use according to the product label or as directed by a qualified healthcare practitioner or Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner. Traditional Chinese Medicine references commonly describe Bu Gu Zhi in the approximate range of 3–10 g when used as a decoction, although the appropriate amount depends on the preparation, formula, individual constitution, and clinical circumstances.
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep tightly closed and out of reach of children.
Preparation:
If using dried Bu Gu Zhi fruit, prepare according to the directions provided by your Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner or product instructions. Traditionally, Bu Gu Zhi may be prepared as a decoction or used as part of a TCM herbal formula. It may also be prepared in powdered or other traditional forms. Some traditional preparations involve processing the fruit before use.
Scientific Support:
Psoralea corylifolia, currently also classified botanically as Cullen corylifolium, has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. The fruit contains numerous bioactive constituents, including psoralen, isopsoralen, bakuchiol, flavonoids, coumarins, and other compounds. Modern research has investigated potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, bone-related, metabolic, and dermatological activities.
Research has also examined the traditional use of Psoralea fruit in relation to kidney and bone health and its biologically active compounds. However, much of the available evidence comes from laboratory, animal, phytochemical, and pharmacological studies. Human clinical evidence remains limited, and further research is needed to establish efficacy and appropriate therapeutic use for specific medical conditions.
Because Psoralea species contain photoreactive furanocoumarins and other biologically active constituents, safety and appropriate dosing are important considerations when using concentrated preparations.
References & Scientific Support:
Health Canada – Licensed Natural Health Product Database (LNHPD). Health Canada provides regulatory information for natural health products and Traditional Chinese Medicine ingredients. Product-specific licensing information should be verified according to the exact formulation, dosage form, processing method, and medicinal ingredients. View Health Canada reference.
PubMed – Psoralea corylifolia L.: A Review of Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activities and Toxicology. This review examines the traditional uses, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and safety considerations of Psoralea corylifolia. View research.
