Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

African Scurf Pea (Psoralea corylifolia), also known as Babchi, has a long history of traditional use in treating vitiligo in various systems of medicine, particularly in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. The seeds of this plant contain compounds such as psoralen, which have photosensitizing properties. Traditionally, preparations made from African Scurf Pea seeds are applied topically or ingested and then followed by exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) light. This approach is based on the observation that psoralen, when activated by UV light, can stimulate melanocytes, the skin cells responsible for pigment production, potentially leading to repigmentation of the depigmented patches seen in vitiligo.

While the use of psoralen-containing plants for skin conditions is well-established in traditional practices, there is only limited scientific evidence specifically supporting the efficacy and safety of African Scurf Pea in the treatment of vitiligo. Most clinical studies have focused on isolated psoralen compounds or other species, such as Psoralea corylifolia from India, rather than the African variety. Some small studies and case reports suggest a potential benefit, but large, rigorous clinical trials are lacking. As such, the evidence is primarily traditional, with some preliminary scientific support but insufficient robust data to strongly validate its use.

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