# Psoralidin (Coumestan) **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/psoralidin **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-19 **Evidence Score:** 4 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** 7-[(3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl)oxy]-3-phenyl-4H-chromen-4-one, Prenylated coumestan, Bu Gu Zhi extract, Bakuchiol precursor, PTC compound, Babchi derivative, Psoralea coumestan ## Overview Psoralidin is a coumestan compound found in Psoralea corylifolia that demonstrates selective estrogen receptor modulating properties. This bioactive compound inhibits bone resorption and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, suggesting potential benefits for [bone health](/ingredients/condition/bone-health) and metabolic regulation. ## Health Benefits • [Bone health](/ingredients/condition/bone-health) support: Inhibits bone resorption in ovariectomized rat models (preliminary evidence only) • Metabolic regulation: Inhibits protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, a key metabolite in insulin signaling (in vitro evidence) • Anti-cancer activity: Demonstrates activity against gastric, colon, prostate, and breast cancer cell lines (laboratory studies only) • Estrogenic effects: Functions as a full ER agonist for both ERα and ERβ receptors (cell line studies) • [Skin health](/ingredients/condition/skin-health): Interacts with UV radiation at 325 nm wavelength, affecting keratinocyte proliferation and immune responses (mechanistic studies) ## Mechanism of Action Psoralidin functions as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), binding to estrogen receptors to inhibit osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. The compound specifically inhibits protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), a negative regulator of insulin signaling pathways. Additionally, psoralidin demonstrates anti-proliferative effects through cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction in cancer cell lines. ## Clinical Summary Current evidence for psoralidin comes primarily from in vitro and animal studies, with limited human clinical data. Ovariectomized rat studies showed significant reduction in bone loss markers at 50-100 mg/kg doses over 12 weeks. In vitro studies demonstrate PTP1B inhibition with IC50 values ranging from 15-25 μM. Anti-cancer activity has been observed in gastric and colon cancer cell lines, but human efficacy trials are lacking. ## Nutritional Profile Psoralidin is a naturally occurring coumestan (a subclass of isoflavonoids) with the molecular formula C₂₀H₁₆O₅ and a molecular weight of ~336.34 g/mol. It is not a nutrient per se but a bioactive phytochemical found primarily in the seeds and fruits of Psoralea corylifolia (Cullen corifolium, commonly known as Babchi). Key biochemical and compositional details include: • Chemical class: Coumestan (prenylated coumestan derivative), structurally related to isoflavones and sharing the benzofuran-coumarin fused ring system. • Typical concentration in source material: Found at approximately 0.1–1.5% (w/w) in dried Psoralea corylifolia seeds, depending on extraction method and plant origin; often co-occurs with other bioactive prenylated compounds such as bakuchiol (~1–5%), psoralen (~0.5–2%), and isopsoralen. • Bioactive functional groups: Contains a prenyl (3-methylbut-2-enyl) side chain at C-2 position and hydroxyl groups critical for its biological activity, including protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibition (IC₅₀ ~3.5–9.2 µM in vitro) and estrogen receptor binding. • Solubility and bioavailability: Poorly water-soluble (lipophilic compound, LogP ~4.2); oral bioavailability is estimated to be low due to limited aqueous solubility, rapid Phase I/II hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) (glucuronidation and sulfation), and potential P-glycoprotein efflux. Co-administration with lipid-based carriers or piperine may enhance absorption. • No appreciable macronutrient contribution (protein, carbohydrate, fat, fiber): As a secondary plant metabolite consumed in microgram-to-low-milligram quantities (typical supplement or traditional medicine doses of crude Psoralea extract deliver roughly 1–10 mg psoralidin), it provides no caloric or macronutrient value. • No significant vitamin or mineral content attributable to psoralidin itself; however, whole Psoralea corylifolia seed preparations contain trace minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron) and other phytochemicals. • Key co-occurring bioactives in source plant that may exhibit synergistic effects: bakuchiol (meroterpene, [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)), psoralen and isopsoralen (furanocoumarins, photosensitizing), corylifol A, and neobavaisoflavone. • Stability notes: Sensitive to UV light and alkaline conditions; relatively stable under acidic and neutral pH in dry storage. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges for human use are available. The only concentration mentioned is 10 μM used in in vitro estrogen receptor activation studies. Nanoencapsulated formulations show 339.02% improved bioavailability compared to simple suspensions in animal models. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Safety data for psoralidin supplementation in humans is limited due to lack of clinical trials. As a phytoestrogenic compound, psoralidin may interact with hormone replacement therapy and estrogen-sensitive medications. Potential concerns include interactions with anticoagulant drugs due to coumarin-like structure. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid psoralidin supplements due to unknown safety profile and estrogenic activity. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), or meta-analyses are available for psoralidin. All evidence comes from preclinical studies including in vitro experiments and animal models, with no PubMed PMIDs for human trials provided in the research. ## Historical & Cultural Context While Psoralea corylifolia is widely distributed across Asia, India, and Europe, specific traditional uses of psoralidin are not detailed in the available research. The plant's geographic distribution suggests potential traditional applications in these regions, but documentation is lacking. ## Synergistic Combinations Other coumestarins, phytoestrogens, bone support compounds, insulin sensitizers, polyphenols ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the recommended dosage for psoralidin supplements? No established human dosage exists for psoralidin due to limited clinical research. Animal studies used 50-100 mg/kg doses, but human equivalent dosing requires clinical validation. ### Can psoralidin help with osteoporosis prevention? Preliminary rat studies suggest psoralidin may reduce bone resorption markers, but human trials are needed to confirm osteoporosis prevention benefits. Current evidence is insufficient for medical recommendations. ### Does psoralidin interact with diabetes medications? Psoralidin's PTP1B inhibition may theoretically enhance insulin sensitivity, potentially affecting blood glucose levels. Diabetics should consult healthcare providers before use due to possible medication interactions. ### What foods naturally contain psoralidin? Psoralidin is primarily found in Psoralea corylifolia seeds (bu gu zhi) used in traditional Chinese medicine. The compound occurs in much lower concentrations in other legume family plants. ### Is psoralidin safe for hormone-sensitive conditions? Due to its SERM activity, psoralidin may affect estrogen-sensitive conditions like breast cancer or endometriosis. Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions should avoid psoralidin supplements without medical supervision. ### What does the current scientific evidence say about psoralidin's effectiveness in humans? Most research on psoralidin has been conducted in laboratory settings (in vitro) or animal models, with very limited human clinical trials. While studies show promise for bone health, metabolic regulation, and anti-cancer activity, these findings cannot yet be directly applied to human supplementation. More rigorous clinical research is needed before strong health claims can be made about psoralidin supplements. ### Is psoralidin safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women? There is insufficient safety data on psoralidin use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and it should be avoided in these populations due to its estrogenic effects and lack of human safety studies. Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should consult a healthcare provider before considering psoralidin supplementation. The potential risks to fetal or infant development have not been adequately evaluated. ### How does psoralidin compare to other coumestrins for bone and metabolic health? Psoralidin is one of several coumestans (plant-derived compounds with estrogenic properties), but comparative human studies directly evaluating psoralidin against other coumestrins are extremely limited. Most evidence for psoralidin's bone and metabolic benefits comes from in vitro or animal studies, making it difficult to establish superiority over similar compounds. Clinical research specifically comparing psoralidin to alternatives would be needed to make informed recommendations. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. 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