Karpokarishi (Cullen corylifolium)

Karpokarishi, babchi in Hindi and bakuchi or vakuchi in Sanskrit, is an annual herb whose small black seeds have been used in Ayurveda and Unani for vitiligo, often combined with sun exposure. The seeds contain psoralen, which makes skin react strongly to sunlight. Babchi oil and bakuchiol, a compound from the seed, now appear in skin-care products. Older books call it Psoralea corylifolia.

Botanical name: Cullen corylifolium (L.) Medik.
Family: Fabaceae
Tamil: Karpokarishi
Hindi: Babchi
Sanskrit: Vākucī
Parts used: Seed
Habit: Babchi seed plant; its psoralens make skin sun-sensitive
Last updated: 2026-10-27

How to recognise Karpokarishi

It is an upright annual, usually knee- to waist-high, dotted all over with tiny black glands.

The leaves are simple, broadly oval and toothed, unusual in a plant of the pea family.

Small purple to bluish pea-flowers grow in dense heads on long stalks.

The pods are small and black, each holding one seed stuck to the pod wall.

The seeds are small, black, kidney-shaped and smell aromatic when crushed.

Traditional use of Karpokarishi

Ayurveda

Bakuchi seed is used in pastes and oils for vitiligo and other skin conditions.

Ayurvedic practice

Unani

Unani practice uses babchi seed for vitiligo, sometimes with exposure to morning sun.

Unani practice

Siddha

Karpokarishi appears in Siddha skin preparations.

Siddha practice

Modern notes on Karpokarishi

Psoralen and related furanocoumarins make skin absorb ultraviolet light, which can repigment vitiligo patches but also cause burns.

Modern PUVA treatment, psoralen plus controlled UVA light, grew from this traditional idea, using measured doses.

Bakuchiol is sold as a gentler retinol alternative in cosmetics; evidence comes from small trials.

Cases of liver injury have been reported from babchi taken by mouth.

Karpokarishi safety

Applying babchi and going into the sun can cause severe blistering burns. Do not take it by mouth without a doctor, avoid it in pregnancy, and treat vitiligo with a dermatologist.

Ecology and sourcing

It grows wild in dry plains and waste ground from India to China.

Wild plants are collected for the seed trade, and it is also cultivated in Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Bees visit the purple flower heads.

Related plants

Also in Fabaceae

Questions about Karpokarishi

What is babchi?

The Hindi name for Cullen corylifolium.

Is babchi used for vitiligo?

Traditionally yes, but it can burn skin badly.

What is bakuchiol?

A compound from the seed used in skin care.

Can Karpokarishi be taken by mouth?

Only under a doctor; liver injury has been reported.

What was the older name of Cullen corylifolium?

Psoralea corylifolia.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.