Scurf Pea

About 130 species of perennials and subshrubs belong to this genus, which ranges through N and S America, S Africa, and Asia. A number of the Cape species were grown as ornamentals during the 19th century; the most common in cultivation today is P. pinnata (blue pea). Some species including the N American P. esculenta (Indian breadroot) have edible tubers. Psoralea seeds are used medicinally in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine; the were first described in Chinese medical literature c.CE470. The use of P. corylifolia in Ayurvedic medicine to treat leucoderma or vitiligo (loss of pigment from skin, causing white patches) has prompted a good deal of research into the properties of this herb. Among its constituents are furanocoumarins, notably psoralen, which affects pigment production. Extracts of the seeds have also shown pronounced activity against a wide range of pathogenic bacteria and fungi, including a number that are resistant to most conventional antibiotics.

Erect annual with simple, broadly ovate, toothed leaves, to 8cm (3in) long, dotted with blackish glands. Yellow, clover-like flowers appear in dense, long-stalked, axillary clusters from spring to summer, followed by short, black pods, to 5mm (¼in) long, containing a single compressed, oval, yellow-black seed.


Common Name:
Scurf Pea
Other Names:
Malay Tea, Babchi
Botanical Name:
Psoralea corylifolia
Genus:
Psoralea
Family:
Papilionaceae
Native Location:
Arable land in Asia (mainly in India and Iran).
Cultivation:
Well-drained soil in sun.
Propagation:
By seed sown in spring, soaked in hot water to speed germination.
Harvest:
Seeds are collected when ripe and dried for use in decoctions.
Height:
90cm (3ft)
Width:
10-20cm (4-8in)
Hardiness:
Min. 10-15°C (50-59°F).
Parts Used:
Seeds (bu gu zhi)
Properties:
A bitter, astringent, warming herb that stimulates kidney (Yang) energy, and has diuretic and anti-bacterial effects.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally, in Chinese medicine, for disorders related to kidney weakness, such as early-morning diarrhea, urinary complaints, impotence, asthma, and baldness. May be mixed with salt to increase action on kidneys. Injection of psoralea extract has been used with considerable success in Chinese reseach to treat hair loss. Internally and externally, in Ayurvedic medicine, for skin disease and hair loss.
Bibliography:
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited Pp 334-335