Abstract
Introduction (Background): Bakuchi (Psoralea corylifolia L.) is a wonder drug being used in the treatment of Kustha (Leprosy) and Shwitra (Vitiligo) both internally and externally since ancient times. Its use in the management of Kustha and Shwitra is described broadly in Ayurveda classics. Acharya Charaka classifies it under Tikta skandha whereas Acharya Vagbhatta considers it a Rasayan. The review aims to compile formulations containing Bakuchi as an ingredient in skin diseases as well as other systemic diseases both internally as well as externally. Material and Methods: This review portrays the wide usages of Bakuchi in the form of internal and external administration from 61 different classical texts consisting of treatise and compendias. Description about Bakuchi, its synonyms, properties, actions and various formulations containing Bakuchi with their rogadhikara were compiled from 9 samhita, 19 chikitsa grantha and 33 rasa grantha. Results and Discussion: In available classical Pharmacopoeias, Bakuchi is found to be used as an ingredient of more than 520 formulations, among which 407 are indicated for internal administration in 35 disease conditions and 109 for external application in 15 disease conditions. Among these disease conditions, maximum are indicated for the management of Kustha (disease of skin), followed by Shwitra (vitiligo) other skin diseses and Jwara (fever) and Prameha(Urinary disorder)etc.
Conclusion: Bakuchi, a wellknown drug to combact skin diseases is also found to be used in more than 15 systemic diseases. Present data may encourage researcher to think over the usage of drug in pharmaceutical and clinical research in aspects other than skin diseases.

Key words: Avalguja, Bakuchi; Kustha, Psoralea corylifolea; Somaraji, Shwitra.